Instructions for Essay #1

Instructions for Essay #1: Everybody's a critic

Write an essay in which you contrast two movies, arguing why one is better than the other. Be sure to choose two films that can be reasonably compared because of something they have in common. For example, it would be reasonable to compare one movie to its prequel or sequel; to compare two films of the same genre; or to compare two movies that have the same lead actor or director.

Your essay must have a clear thesis asserting that one film is better that the other. Be specific about how you define "better" (how you define quality in a film) and base your argument on thoughtful analysis of the films. Do not merely describe how one film matches your personal taste — base your argument on examples and evidence. Make sure the comparisons you draw are fair — if you analyze the acting in one film, also analyze the acting of the other.

As you write your essay, think about the rhetorical techniques described in Joseph Kelly's "What are Essays?" and the handout titled "Arguing a Position." Don't try too hard to force your rhetoric to fit any of the categories described by Kelly. Instead, come up with an argument that makes sense to you. Because criticism of art is subjective, your argument may be mostly aesthetic. But it also likely will contain elements of logical, ethical or pathetic rhetoric.

Your essay should be two or three double-spaced pages (with a standard 12-point typeface, stapled together). Make sure the top of the first page is labeled with your name, my name, the course title (EN103Z), the date and a title.

I will collect the essays after we return from the library the night of Wednesday, June 10.