+ Your essay should include and will be graded on the following components. 1) What is the main point? Use specific examples from the reading Readings often contain a lot of information. What is the main concept the author is trying to get across? This may or may not be explicitly stated in the reading. Why did the author choose to emphasize this point, and not some other? Your response is not merely a summary of the reading, but an analysis that creates meaning of you. You may choose to use one or more of the study guide questions to help you address this question in your essay 2) What did you find surprising? Use Specific examples from the reading. Your response to this question should be reflective. Did you learn something that is in conflict with your previous notions of the world? Did you learn something that fascinates you in a way that you didn't expect? How does this new knowledge connect with other material in this course, or with other parts of your life? Responses must also clearly explain "Why" 3) What are the strengths and weaknesses of the reading? Use specific examples from the reading. Again, responses to this question require careful reading and reflection, it is only through the process of reconciling new information with existing knowledge that we become aware of the 'gaps" in our understanding. Responses to this question should be specific and actionable - they should clearly outline a path to understanding. Responses must also clearly explain "Why". What did the author do well, and or what "did or did not work" in the reading 4) Additional Questions Was there something missing from the reading? Is there a question you have that is left unanswered? Your essay should end with two questions you feel the reading did not address or answer Guidelines for Essay, failure to follow these guidelines will