EWRT 1B Paper Topic #1

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Instructions: Choose one of the options below to plan, write, and edit an essay directed at a reader who is intelligent and well-informed, already familiar with Pollan’s book, and impatient with idle talk about your topic. In other words, craft the sort of thesis-driven essay that Trimble encourages in Chapters 1 – 5 of Writing with Style.

Analysis Paper
Use the lecture, “Reading Non-fiction,” as the basis for this essay. Allow the following questions to prompt your thinking: In your own words, what is the thesis of In Defense of Food? What are the chief strategies that Pollan uses to develop his thesis? How would you describe Pollan’s writing style? In what ways does this style serve the needs of his readers?
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Comparison Paper
Read one of the following Michael Pollan books on food, health and culture, and compare it to In Defense of Food. Consider elements of meaning, strategy, and style. What do the books have in common? What is different? How do you account for the differences? In what ways do the two books complement each other? In what ways does each cover new, albeit related, territory?
  • Cooked
  • The Omnivore’s Dilemma
  • The Botany of Desire
  • Second Nature
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Creative Paper
Create a reason and a context for you to meet, and write an extended dialogue between you and Michael Pollan. Now that you are familiar with Pollan’s voice and themes, put words in Pollan’s mouth that imitate his style and ideas. Choose three or four ideas from Pollan’s book and focus your dialogue on the topic of your own diet.
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Research Paper
Watch the De Anza Library’s Information Literacy Videos found at this link: http://www.deanza.edu/library/infoliteracy.html.  This information will assist you in researching and writing on the following topic. Use a minimum of five sources in your paper, including the book, In Defense of Food. Compose a paper that introduces your reader to the literary career of Michael Pollan, including relevant aspects of his biography, bibliography, and critical reception. Include both general and scholarly references, and carefully integrate your sources into the fabric of your discussion. Why should intelligent, educated members of our society read Pollan’s books? Of what value are they? Use the techniques of analysis, synthesis, and comparison in your essay.
Your paper should be approximately 1,500 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Suggested Due Date for Analysis, Comparison, or Creative Paper: Monday, May 1.
Suggested Due Date for Research Paper: Monday, May 8.
Submit your paper to our class account on Turnitin.com
Class ID#:
Mon/Wed 15175337
Tue/Thu 15175342
Password: paper4denny
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