Notes
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Purpose

Each module unit takes the task of writing a good essay and breaks it down into smaller steps. In this discussion, we will share our thoughts on our readings for this unit by relating the contents to our experiences and prior knowledge. By sharing our interpretations on the readings, we will generate ideas for a good Essay thesis. Doing so will be the first step in drafting a good essay final draft since a strong thesis tells the reader what the essay’s main argument will be. In our discussion, you will also asked to support your thesis ideas with evidence from our assigned texts for this module. That evidence will also serve to help you put together a comprehensive outline for your essay in the next assignment.

Main Post Instructions

Film

Before writing your main post, watch the film Gidgetwhich is about a young girl in the 1950s who rejects gendered stereotypes as she becomes friends with the Malibu surf community and becomes a surfer herself.

Write three or more paragraphs (at least 200+ words) on the following:

Paragraph 1 (Your Personal Example):

• Share the story of your coming-of-age by describing your first early boyfriend / girlfriend relationship. If you aren’t comfortable revealing this personal information, you can describe someone else’s love relationship or an inspiring one that you recall from a book or film. How did you two meet and get to know one another? Did you have a common interest that bonded you together? Did you get along well? Were there obstacles to your being together?
• How does your first relationship compare with the story of Gidget and Moondoggie in Gidget?

Paragraph 2 or More (Essay 4 Thesis Brainstorming)

1. Begin your second paragraph with a one sentence thesis that fully answers the Essay 4 question:

Discuss one way Gidget empowers herself and one way she disempowers herself as she struggles to fit in with the 1950s Malibu surfer crew by learning to surf herself in the iconic film Gidget.

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• Don’t forget to see Model Essay 4 for help.

2. Then support your thesis with quotations and supporting examples from the film version of Gidget.
3. End your main post with an interesting question for the class that stems from the ideas in your post.

Reply Posts (2 required, 50+ words each)

1. What parts of the other student’s main post could you identify with? What parts did you like? Explain why you liked those ideas.
2. Suggest improvements by referring to additional supporting examples from The World in the Curl. Or point out parts of the other student’s main post that you would like to see discussed in more detail, either with more explanation, clarification, or support.
3. End your reply post with an interesting question that is relevant to your discussion.

Grading

Requirements

• 1 main post (200+ words) that fully responds to Dr. Kwa’s prompt
• 2 replies (50+ words each) to others’ main posts
• Very Important: You are required to end all of your main posts and replies with a question that is related to your thoughts in your post.

Originality

Please make sure to give credit to other students by name should you discuss their ideas. If your discussion forum plagiarizes ideas or wording from another student’s post or an outside source, your post will not be accepted for credit.