Compare and contrast two works that address the same theme and to argue which work more effectively engages the theme (in your opinion).

This assignment asks you to compare and contrast two works that address the same theme and to argue which work more effectively engages the theme (in your opinion). Remember a theme is more than a one word topic. For example, “violence” is a one-word topic. “The negative impact of violence on the physical and psychological well-being of children in urban communities” is a theme.

To cite Coleman’s poem, it can be located at Poetry Foundation.org https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53316/the-saturday-afternoon-blues ( To cite Rodriguez’s poem, it can be located at Poets.org https://poets.org/poem/concrete-river. ( in both instances use MLA format for citing a work from a website in Tips for Success below)

Your paper should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion
Make sure that your argument is focused with a clearly articulated thesis statement that addresses the writing prompt (based on the theme, which work is stronger/more effective in your opinion) and that this statement appears somewhere in the first 1-2 paragraphs.
You must quote “thoughtfully” from the essay assigned to the option you chose; however, do not merely summarize the works–use quotes from the poems and/or short stories to support your argument and to demonstrate that you read closely and understand the viewpoint forwarded in each work. Writing Tips: Quotations
Body paragraphs should have topic sentences and you should support all assertions with specific and detailed textual evidence–we will practice this approach in the discussion threads.
foreground your own voice and perspective/analysis of the material–do not rely on online reviews or summaries. Many students minimize their engagement with the assignment and jump to additional outside sources at the expense of their own voice and analysis–you should avoid that tendency at all costs.
Do not forget to include a works cited page.
Most importantly, ask if you have questions–use the inbox on the left side of course shell.

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