Janet Holmes’s “Women Talk Too Much” and Ronald Macaulay’s “Sex Differences” both argue about the effect of gender on the way people communicate. Write an essay in which you argue for or against the idea that gender impacts language and expression. For this essay, you will focus on one of the authors (Holmes or Macaulay) to support your argument in your three body paragraphs and also use at least one quote from the other author somewhere in your essay. Keep in mind that the focus of your essay is not Macaulay or Holmes, so you don’t need to find quotes from your chosen author you agree with. Instead, you are writing about why you think gender does or does not impact language, and you are using specific quotes from your chosen author to support your argument.
Essay Structure:
1. Introduction (one paragraph): In your introduction, start with an interesting and detailed hook (5-7 sentences); Your own descriptive personal story about gender and language can be a powerful hook. Then briefly summarize your chosen author including the full name of the author, the complete title of the article, and the main idea/claim of the text (1-3 sentences). After the summary, end your introduction with your one-sentence thesis statement that clearly expresses the argumentative purpose of your essay by choosing one side of the issue and includes your three specific points of argument.
Example thesis template:
Gender differences impact language through the social contexts of ____, _____, and _____.
2. 3. 4. Body Paragraphs (minimum three body paragraphs – missing a required paragraph can earn your essay a non-passing grade): In your body paragraphs, prove your thesis by breaking down your overall argument into at least three topics/points of argument, providing detailed and specific evidence from your chosen reading and your own personal experience, and explaining how such evidence proves your argument. Each of your three body paragraphs should contain the following elements:
A. A clear organizing principle: How will you differentiate each body paragraph so that each one focuses on only one point of argument?
i. Three different types of language expression, such as verbal (speech), written (text, social media, etc.), and body language, or
ii. Three different types of social contexts, such as family, friends, and romantic partners, or
iii. Three different types of life contexts, such as home, school, and work.
B. A topic sentence pointing out a specific issue/reason related to the prompt:
Example topic sentence template to start your body paragraphs:
Sex differences affect the way people express themselves in the social context of _____.
C. 1-2 examples from your personal experience and 1-2 quotes from your chosen author per body paragraph . You must also include at least one quote from the other author somewhere in your essay (hook, body paragraph, or final thought). For example, if you choose to focus on Macaulay, you would use 1-2 Quote Sandwiches from Macaulay in every body paragraph and then use one Quote Sandwich from Holmes somewhere in your essay, perhaps in your final thought. Remember that you can disagree or agree with the comments the authors make or explain how the points they make compare or contrast to yours. Use the required MLA format to cite your chosen author’s words and ideas for your quotation citations and Works Cited page.
D. Clear analysis/explanation of the evidence to tie back to your thesis and paragraph topic. Utilize Transitional Words.doc Download Transitional Words.docto build smooth bridges between your paragraphs and ideas. No additional research is required, but you may cite 1-2 outside academic journals or books or news sources (see below for suggestions*).
5. Conclusion (one paragraph): In your conclusion, do not summarize your ideas. Instead, briefly restate your thesis (1-2 sentences) and write other related but new, insightful concluding remarks for your detailed final thought (5-7 sentences). Consider connecting your final thought back to your opening hook for a powerful ending. Utilize Conclusion Strategies.doc Download Conclusion Strategies.docto create strong final thoughts.