Space and place matter. Consider Akunaliyi Crosby’s interpretation of the concept of liminal space. As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, consider how we behave and communicate, both individually and collectively, in the liminal spaces of each of our lives. How do our individual and/or collective liminal spaces reflect something new, unexpected, “nonsensical,” in U.S. culture today?….One that, according to Akunaliyi, is a space that does not currently “exist” in its specific, current conventional or expected form.
In developing your essay, observe and consider some “newly constructed” liminal space in your own life or experience or observation and develop a position on 1) how it challenges some existing collective conventional wisdom we typically attribute to this space AND 2) argue for a possible significance of this space moving forward for you individually as well as for our society collectively (the collective we).
Remember: You will need to focus on/narrow to a specific characteristic/quality within this space. Think about juxtaposition of specific element.
^^ Prompt
Must Include ->>
Jump off the text with a personal observation/experience/anecdote of a specific place/space
– “Tight, snappy,” engaging prose style in opening (see practice from fall Schoology posts)
– Launching RQ (1-3 RQs that act together as 1)
– 8-10 specific examples (of varying lengths: extended, example drops, allusions, current events, personal anecdote..)
– Varied evidence with full and correct context and attribution (statistics, expert quotes, studies, current and historical events, anecdotes)
– Consideration of 2-3 lenses
– Fresh topic that avoids the obvious .argument that challenges conventional wisdom
– Clear line of reasoning.logical and seamless flow in response to assigned prompt
– Ethos strengthened through concessions/qualifying/counterargument language
– Argument builds to consider the why question (significance) in drive-home
– Answers the prompt
– Use of collective we
– Extended metaphor
– Intentional Repetition
– Rhetorical questions to build momentum
– Concrete details/imagery
– Varied syntax including complex sentences and intentional fragments
– Opening and closing frame
– Closing zing
– Provocative and stylized title
Answer the WHY?????
REMEMBER Ultimate goal of essay is at end for reader to say “Wow…..interesting, I never though about it like that……”
Must start with an anecdote, preferably this one.
It was a brutal warm day at Six Flags Great America. Sitting in the kid’s pool as I decide to make my way over to the wave pool for some extreme fun. Wiping the sweat off my face as I make my way over, full of pure bliss as I look at the other kids faces knowing whats in store for me. I step into the wave pool, the waves keep getting harder, its exhilarating. Not a care in the world, full of joy I keep jumping over the waves until I cant. I remember that distinct chlorine taste as I sink into the water like an anchor, slowly drifting deeper and deeper. The whistle. The lifeguard dives in and swoops me up with one arm. Who knew a place of thrill could turn into my very own nightmare?
Feel free to change it up to sound better but should revolve around this story and being saved.
Also the sense of taste must also be aware to the reader being the sense connected to the space.
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