Essay About This (illegal) American Life Article
You can get started on this right away, but be sure to acknowledge and incorporate any notes you get from me regarding your “GSW” essay.
The template for your essay:
Paragraph 1 = A summary of the article.
Paragraph 2 = Argument 1
Paragraph 3 = Argument 2
Paragraph 4 = Conclusion
Just like the template for “GSW”!
Do not forget MLA formatting!!
This couldn’t be more important as you move forward.
To begin, read through the essay several times and annotate (highlight and mark) the main ideas of the piece.
Remember:
Summaries are the main points of an article
Summaries are written in your own words
Summaries do not include quotes for the article
Summaries should avoid specific details
Summaries do not include commentary, interpretation or opinion
Here is a way to start your first paragraph or SUMMARY:
In the article, “This (Illegal) American Life,” Maria Andreu explains that…
HINT # 1: You can completely skip (don’t include information from) paragraphs 8 and 11!
HINT # 2: Start your summary at the beginning of Andreau’s history, not her introduction.
Once you have written your summary, write your argument paragraphs ( 2 & 3).
Argument Topic 1:
Explain the biggest challenges that Andreu faces as a child. Pick three key details that help you understand her biggest challenges.
Go through the essay and choose three quotes that have to do with the biggest challenges Andreau faced as a child.
TEMPLATE FOR ARGUMENT 1:
I believe that Andreu’s biggest challenges as a child were _____________________________________________________________.
You may add discussion here or go right to the first quote-
In the first place, Andreu notes, “………………Quote # 1…………………”(xx). This quotation shows that….
[Add your inference or commentary here. It should be at least three lines.]
Second, Andreu states, “……………………Quote # 2…..……………………”(xx). This quotation shows that….
[Add your commentary or inference here. It should be at least three lines.]
Finally, Andreu remarks, “…………………..Quote # 3………………………”(xx). This quotation shows that….
[Add your commentary or inference here. It should be at least three lines.]
BE SURE TO MAKE THE CLAIM IN THE FIRST SENTENCE (TOPIC SENTENCE). USE THREE STRONG QUOTES WITHIN THE PARAGRAPH. SUPPORT THOSE QUOTES WITH THOUGHTFUL INTERPRETATION TO ENHANCE MEANING AND LOGIC.
Here is an example of vague language.
First, the author states, “I didn’t see him for two years.” This quotation shows that Maria had a hard time with the separation from her father. Two years is a long time for anybody. A child needs special things from her parents, and the father’s role is especially important. I guess Maria felt like it would never end.
Try to construct thoughtful and valid inference that supports your claim.
ARGUMENT TOPIC 2:
Explain how Andreu feels as an adult about her life in America. Pick three key details that help you understand her deepest feelings.
TEMPLATE FOR ARGUMENT 2:
Furthermore, I believe that Andreu feels__________________________________________ ________________________________________________________about her life in America.
[Add your commentary here or start with the first quote]
First, Andreu says, “…………………………Quote # 1…………………..……………”(xx). This quotation shows that….
[Add your inference of commentary here; at least three lines.]
Also, Andreu observes, “…………………Quote # 2…………………………………”(xx). This quotation shows that….
[Add your inference or commentary here; at least three sentences.]
Last, Andreu adds, “………………….Quote # 3………………………………………”(xx). This quotation shows that….
[Add your commentary or inference here; at least three sentences.]
HINT: Her introduction has to do with her adulthood.
And remember, vague language doesn’t get to the point or the deeper truth. It scratches the surface. Don’t just repeat (or paraphrase) the quote. There’s no need for that. And be sure to stick to the point that you are trying to make. Don’t think about other parts of the story while you focus on a particular moment.
After you write your two argument paragraphs, you must end with a conclusion. Here is the prompt for the conclusion.
Prompt for Conclusion for “This (Illegal) American Life”:
If Andreu met an undocumented child in the U.S. today, what advice do you believe she would give to the child?
In conclusion, I believe if Andreu were to meet an undocumented child living in the US today, she would advise the child to…
[The conclusion should be four to five sentences.]
In the article, “This (Illegal) American Life,” Maria Andreu explains the struggle of entering and living United States as an undocumented immigrant. From Argentina, she moved with her parents when she was still an infant and they stayed in New Jersey. She grew up alienated from mainstream society as she could not attend kindergarten with her friends and her only access to the host culture was watching Sesame Street. Her parents broke the law several times so they can have their own path to American Dream. They stayed even after the expiration of their visa and when Andreu and her mother got stuck for two years in Argentina after they attended the funeral of her grandparent, her father paid coyotes to bring them illegally back to the United States.
