Prompt 1:

We’ve discussed and read about several topics that exemplify several historical, societal, and systematic issues, and perhaps even failures, that are constantly recurring although they materialize in different areas and aspects in/of life. Issues such as racism, sexism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, masculinity, classism, and reproductive justice are some of the many issues we’ve discussed and read about.

As we’ve briefly discussed, the current pandemic is a world crisis that has not only re-shaped nearly every aspect of our lives. As I noted earlier, like most current events that are being reported daily, the emergence of Covid-19 is making us as citizens, as marginalized citizens from displaced communities, and those who are systematically oppressed, confront these same issues again. Issues born from Covid-19 are not new, as we discussed, they’re just re-emerging as something else during a different time.

For your Final Exam Prompt #1, choose only one of the essays (links below) to read and respond write an 800 word essay framing the article of your choice:

1. Dylan Scott, “Coronavirus is Exposing All of the Weaknesses in the US Health System”: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/3/16/21173766/coronavirus-covid-19-us-cases-health-care-system (Links to an external site.)
2. Cathy Park Hong, “The Slur I Never Expected to Hear in 2020”: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/magazine/asian-american-discrimination-coronavirus.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage (Links to an external site.)

You will not respond to a specific question. I want you to write a reactionary/opinion piece, similar to the supplement Canvas readings I’ve assigned in class. Basically, what is your thoughts and arguments on the essay? Why are you writing an argument regarding the issues the writer centers?

Both prompts must be 800 words; make sure you structure your essay as paragraphs: introduction with a thesis as the last sentence in the introduction; body of paragraph with analysis and critical connections and commentaries, and a conclusion that doesn’t echo earlier paragraphs.

Your voice must frame your writing. Do not rely on the essays; they are there for you to refer to and use passages to support your ideas. Do not over-quote; frame your own ideas and arguments.

Rubric for Final Exam Prompt #1:

For this part of your final exam, you will be graded on the following:

• Shows strong textual and contextual comprehension regarding the issues/essay, which is conveyed through their writing: 10 points.
• Topic of analytical discussion/argument is clear and evident: 5 points.
• Situates a well-written, clear, and strong thesis in their essay: 5 points.
• Organizes a clear train of thought in their writing; i.e., introduction, body/analysis, and conclusion. Writing is also clear and doesn’t digress nor confuse: 5 points.
• Writer’s voice is clear throughout and doesn’t summarize the readings; develops their own ideas: 5
• A strong, developed analysis is conveyed through writing; : 10 points.
• References at least one major quote/idea from the chosen essay but does not solely rely on it; analyzes it to use as supporting evidence; the quote is thoughtfully analyzed and impactfully integrated in the essay and is sandwiched: 5 points.
• Meets 800-word requirement and pays attention to syntax, sentence structure, word choices: 5 points.

Bonus point: If you can correctly integrate intersectionality, using it to analyze ideas from the readings to further your argument, then you can receive up to 10 points.