Appendix C: Perception Essay

Prompt:  Write a 750-1250 word essay about misperception.

Discussion of the prompt:  We all struggle with perceptions daily.  There have been times when others have stereotyped us based only on the clothes we wore or the way we talked.  There have been situations when we have stereotyped or misperceived others for the same reasons.  Write a narrative essay describing one of those situations.  In writing your essay, consider the following questions:

 Format:

·         Introduction: 

o   Begin with an attention getter (quote, novelty, humor, question, etc.).

o   Summarize the issue you are examining

o   Funnel to a specific thesis statement that directly discusses the prompt above

·         Body

o   Paragraphs should have opening topic sentences

o   Provide a description of the main point the paragraph is examining

o   Provide specific examples / details for support

o   Transition into the next paragraph

·         Conclusion

o   Summarize your main points but do not regurgitate your introduction.  Your conclusion should be a reflection of what can be learned from reading your paper—not a preview.

o   End with an exigency (answer the “so what?” question).  Think of the exigency as the “Jerry Springer Final Thought.”

Submission Guidelines:  Papers must meet all of the criteria below to be accepted for assessment:

·         Typed

·         Double spaced

·         Follow MLA format

·         Grading rubric attached to the front of your paper