LESSON 4 RESEARCH ESSAY Reading Assignment: Dodge’s “Johnson county Dreamin’” (page 186) and “The Jilting of Katherine Anne Porter” (page 183) Writing Assignments: 1. Write a paragraph summarizing each Dodge article 2. Write a four paragraph Research Essay (see below). One part of this lesson is to review one of the basic elements of expository writing, the essay. In this lesson the Research Essay will be studied. A Research Essay is a form of writing in which a personal opinion is expressed about a subject. Review the enclosed outline and sample of a Research Essay. After reviewing this material, please submit a four paragraph Research Essay on a famous painting, monument or statue. Check the COMPOSITION WRITING AIDS before writing this paper. KEYS TO WRITING THE RESEARCH ESSAY OVERALL DESIGN INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Subject with the issue followed by the Who, What, When, Where, and Why on Subject + Thesis w/Main Points BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of 1st Main Point w/Specific Example at least 3 sentences long BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of 2nd Main Point w/Specific Example at least 3 sentences long CONCLUSION: Summarize the key elements of the essay and add any other relevant information THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: The introductory paragraph for the Research Essay opens with subject of the essay followed by the issue. Next is the thesis followed by the paper’s main points Below are 2 sample thesis statements: ISSUE with the SUBJECT: Giving to the Cancer Society of America OPINION: should be discouraged because MAIN POINTS: only 1% of the proceeds go to cancer patients and the society is a scam SUBJECT: Attending Six Flags’ Fright Night OPINION: is good because MAIN POINTS: the haunted house is remarkable and the Halloween show is exceptionally entertaining THE FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH: The first body paragraph of a Classification Essay has 2 elements: a full discussion of the 1st main point so that the reader understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long SPECIFIC example/illustration which illuminates the 1st main point. This body paragraph must end with citation (see example below). THE SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH: The second body paragraph of a Classification Essay has 2 elements: a full discussion of the 2nd main point so that the reader understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long SPECIFIC example/illustration which illuminates the 2nd main point. This body paragraph must end with citation (see example below). THE CONCLUSION: Summarize the key elements of the essay and add any other relevant information Lee Bee English 1301 Lesson 4 .

1. LESSON 4
RESEARCH ESSAY
Reading Assignment: Dodge’s “Johnson county Dreamin’”
(page 186) and “The Jilting of Katherine Anne Porter” (page
183)
Writing Assignments:
1. Write a paragraph summarizing each Dodge article
2. Write a four paragraph Research Essay (see below).
One part of this lesson is to review one of the basic elements of
expository writing, the essay. In this lesson the Research Essay
will be studied. A Research Essay is a form of writing in which
a personal opinion is expressed about a subject. Review the
enclosed outline and sample of a Research Essay. After
reviewing this material, please submit a four paragraph
Research Essay on a famous painting, monument or statue.
Check the COMPOSITION WRITING AIDS before writing this
paper.
KEYS TO WRITING THE RESEARCH ESSAY
OVERALL DESIGN
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Subject with the issue
followed by the Who, What, When, Where, and Why on Subject
+ Thesis w/Main Points
BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of 1st Main Point
w/Specific Example at least 3 sentences long
BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of 2nd Main Point

2. w/Specific Example at least 3 sentences long
CONCLUSION: Summarize the key elements of the essay and
add any other relevant information
THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
The introductory paragraph for the Research Essay opens with
subject of the essay followed by the issue. Next is the thesis
followed by the paper’s main points
Below are 2 sample thesis statements:
ISSUE with the SUBJECT: Giving to the Cancer Society of
America
OPINION: should be discouraged because
MAIN POINTS: only 1% of the proceeds go to cancer patients
and the society is a scam
SUBJECT: Attending Six Flags’ Fright Night
OPINION: is good because
MAIN POINTS: the haunted house is remarkable and the
Halloween show is exceptionally entertaining
THE FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH:
The first body paragraph of a Classification Essay has 2
elements: a full discussion of the 1st main point so that the
reader understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long

3. SPECIFIC example/illustration which illuminates the 1st main
point. This body paragraph must end with citation (see example
below).
THE SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH:
The second body paragraph of a Classification Essay has 2
elements: a full discussion of the 2nd main point so that the
reader understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long
SPECIFIC example/illustration which illuminates the 2nd main
point. This body paragraph must end with citation (see example
below).
THE CONCLUSION:
Summarize the key elements of the essay and add any other
relevant information
Lee Bee
English 1301
Lesson 4
October 22, 201?
Men in Rock
Mount Rushmore is a well-known iconic and patriotic
monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota that has been

4. visited by Americans for generations. Located at 13000 South
Dakota Highway 244, Keystone, SD 57751, the Mount
Rushmore National Memorial was the brainchild of South
Dakota historian Doane Robinson who conceived the idea in
1923 to commemorate important individuals in American
history. In 1924, Robinson persuaded sculptor Gutzon Borglum
to take on the massive project and Borglum spent the rest of his
life creating the gigantic granite heads of four American
presidents who in turn represent four crucial eras of American
history. The 60-foot heads are of George Washington (1732–
1799), Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), Theodore Roosevelt
(1858–1919), and Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). Visiting the
Mount Rushmore National Memorial should be encouraged
because it helps Americans understand American history and
appreciate Borglum’s extraordinary achievement.
American history is highlighted in this colossal rock formation.
The most prominent head is that of George Washington who is
honored for his crucial leadership in the American Revolution
and as the 1st President of the United States. Thomas Jefferson
is rightly next to Washington for his role in authoring the
Declaration of Independence and serving as the third President.
Abraham Lincoln holds the prominent position on the right side
of the monument for saving the Union through the Civil War.
And finally, Theodore Roosevelt is included among the other
greats for his role in protecting America’s priceless natural
treasures during the Progressive Era. These rocks have become
one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United
States. Doane Robinson wanted them to promote South Dakota
tourism and his wish has certainly come true. “Doane’s tourism
plan worked. Nearly three million people visit Mount Rushmore
each year. And its popularity never seems to decrease” (Trex).
When tourists come to visit this Shrine of Democracy in South
Dakota, they rarely pause to contemplate the enormous
contribution of its sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Borglum was the

5. child of Danish polygamist Mormon immigrants and his father
was a country doctor in Nebraska. In 1923 Borglum started
work on a Confederate memorial on Stone Mountain near
Atlanta. It was to show huge images of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson
Davis, and 'Stonewall' Jackson. Eventually Borglum came into
conflict with the Confederate Memorial officials so he
destroyed his models and left to start on the Mount Rushmore
project. Beginning his work on Mount Rushmore in 1925, he
continued to work on the monument when weather permitted
until his death in 1941. A small inkling of Borglum’s struggle
on this project may be seen in the following citation. “Borglum
started blasting rock in 1927. Federal financing in 1929 helped,
but the sculpture was still a financial drain. When asked in 1940
about the cost, Borglum said ‘Call up Cheops and ask him how
much his pyramid cost, and what he paid the creator — an
inferior work to Mt. Rushmore’” (Peters).
On July 23, 1962 the first television satellite broadcast was
made from the United States to Europe. The first image of that
initial broadcast was of a Lakota Sioux man standing in front of
Mount Rushmore. Nothing could better demonstrate how much
this monument is seen as representing America. Along with the
Statue of Liberty in New York and the Washington Monument
and Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, Mount Rushmore
holds a special almost mystical place in the hearts of
Americans. It inspires patriotism and causes reflection on what
America is and will become. With millions of visitors every
year, Mount Rushmore promises to continue thrilling American
throughout the ages until the images are finally worn down by
time.
Works Cited
Peters, Chris. “The Omaha Boy Who Went On To Sculpt Mt.
Rushmore.” Omaha World Herald. October 9, 2009.Trex, Ethan.
“11 Essential Talking Points for Mount Rushmore Enthusiasts.”

6. Mental
Floss. January 14, 2016.
LESSON 3
MOVIE CRITIQUE
Reading Assignment: Dodge’s “Gathering for Gladys” (page
202) and “Rockport’s Guru of Granite” (page 191)
Writing Assignments:
1. Write a paragraph summarizing each Dodge article
2. Write a four paragraph Movie Critique (see below).
One part of this lesson is to learn how to write a Movie
Critique. A Movie Critique is a form of writing in which a
personal opinion is expressed about a movie. Review the
enclosed outline and sample of a Movie Critique. When this
material has been reviewed, go to a film rental store and rent
one of the following movies: TREASURE OF THE SIERRA
MADRE, AFRICAN QUEEN, MODERN TIMES, HAROLD
AND MAUD, TOPSY TURBY, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH,
STRICTLY BALLROOM, CITIZEN KANE, CASABLANCA,
CHINATOWN or O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? After
watching the movie, please submit a four-paragraph critique
based on the movie watched. As always, be sure to check the
COMPOSITION WRITING AIDS before writing this paper.
KEYS TO WRITING THE MOVIE CRITIQUE
OVERALL DESIGN
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH: Open with issue and the

7. Subject followed by Who, What, When, Where, and Why
followed by the Thesis w/Main Points
BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of lst Main Point
w/Specific Example at least 3 sentences long
BODY PARAGRAPH: Full discussion of 2nd Main Point
w/specific Example at least 3 sentences long
CONCLUSION: Final summary and related-opinions
THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
The introductory paragraph for the Movie Critique has 4 major
elements:
1. always open with subject of the paper followed by the issue
2. add 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) of the subject
3. follow with thesisstatement which is the writer’s opinion of
the subject
4. conclude with at least 2 main points as to why the opinion is
valid
The most important element in writing a Movie Critique is a
workable thesis statement. Below are 2 sample thesis
statements:
SUBJECT: The plot of the WIZARD OF OZ
OPINION: is a remarkable
MAIN POINTS: because it is political sub-text and memorable
message.
SUBJECT: The theme of GONE WITH THE WIND

8. OPINION: is a poor
MAIN POINTS: because it does not begin to convey the
message of Margaret Mitchell's huge novel and the central
thesis of the novel is lost.
THE FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH:
The first body paragraph of a Movie Critique has 2 elements: a
full discussion of the lst main point so that the reader
understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long SPECIFIC
example/illustration which illuminates the 1st main point.
THE SECOND BODY PARAGRAPH:
The second body paragraph of a Movie Critique has 2 elements:
a full discussion of the 2nd main point so that the reader
understands the issue followed by a 3 sentences long SPECIFIC
example/illustration which illuminates the 2nd main point.
THE CONCLUSION:
The concluding paragraph of a Movie Critique should briefly
summarize all the issues under discussions. Any additional
opinions on the subject would be appropriate at this time as well
as any final conclusions.
I. M. Smart
Movie Critique
February 10, 201?
English
Western Queen
ROOSTER COGBURN, a quirky 1975 Western with a
convoluted plot, is one of John Wayne's last movies. Richly
filmed along southwestern Oregon's Rogue River, the scenery
alone is enough to make the movie memorable, but this
quintessential Western is much more than it appears to be.
Softer and more traditionally "Hollywood" than the hard-edged

9. and European feeling TRUE GRIT in which the Cogburn
character was introduced, COGBURN would have been an
appropriate vehicle for Wayne's "swan-song," and yet this was
hardly the intention of Director Stuart Millar. In fact, the
movie was not intended as a John Wayne picture at all.
Director Millar and Screenplay Writer Martin Julin's real
intention was to create a parody of John Huston's classic 1951
movie THE AFRICAN QUEEN. Perfectly disguised under the
typical Western facade, the plot of ROOSTERCOGBURN is
excellent because it is both a campy AFRICAN QUEEN and a
classic Western.
THE AFRICAN QUEEN is a campy example of the American
film industry's finest works. The story line of COGBURN is
essentially the same as QUEEN. When QUEEN came out, it
captured on film the trademark personas of Humphrey Bogart
(Charlie) and Katherine Hepburn (Rosie). Huston told C.S.
Forester's story of lowbrow Charlie saving high-church Rosie
through a harrowing escape down a treacherous African river.
Against all odds, the couple not only survives the river but find
love of the "lace and linen" Victorian-style. For example, one
may assume that if Bogart had still been alive in 1975, he might
have played the Cogburn character. Since he was not, another
Hollywood icon would have to fill the bill. Who better than
John Wayne?
ROOSTER COGBURN, despite its pedigree, is also a classic
American western. Stars John Wayne (Cogburn) and Katherine
Hepburn (Eula) play the quarrelling couple found in so many
westerns. However on the river, a la Huck Finn, all things are
possible including an improbable love-interest between these
two burnout refugees. For example, the Rogue River in Oregon
was used by Millar to represent all American rivers. This river
is a good choice as a microcosm of America. It is also a perfect
metaphor for the freedom of the American West.
In the end, COGBURN is both parody and praise. The parody
of QUEEN is loving and subtle, while its praise is broad and
loud. Martin Julin obviously worships THE AFRICAN QUEEN

10. and wanted to memorialize it in a special way. If imitation is
the sincerest form of flattery, then this parody is surely a form
of praise. Even if a viewer knows nothing about THE
AFRICAN QUEEN, COGBURN is still a fine movie in its own
right. Knowing the connection between the movies just gives
the viewer a greater appreciation of its depth.