1.     Briefly answer these questions from Chapter 2.2 Prewriting in English Composition: Connect, Collaborate, Communicate:

• Is the purpose of the essay to educate, announce, entertain, or persuade?

The purpose of this essay is to persuade, that is where the argumentative portion of the thesis comes from.

• Who might be interested in the topic of the essay?

Black Lives Matter activists and people interested in historical photography might be interested in this topic.

• Who would be impacted by the essay or the information within it?

The essay impacts the many protestors demanding justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among many others.

• What does the reader know about this topic?

The reader is my English Professor who specializes in African American Literature, I presume he is very knowledgeable about this topic.

• What does the reader need to know in order to understand the essay’s points?

The important background information is that Ieshia Evans was at a protest and that she is being arrested in the photo.

• What kind of hook is necessary to engage the readers and their interest?

The hook will be an appeal to the reader’s emotions in relation to the death of Alton Sterling.

• What level of language is required? Words that are too subject-specific may make the writing difficult to grasp for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

College level language is required, use of the elements of art we’ve learned about.

• What is an appropriate tone for the topic? A humorous tone that is suitable for an autobiographical, narrative essay may not work for a more serious, persuasive essay.

The tone will be serious and educational, making an effort to convince the reader that Ieshia is fearless.

2.     Write a draft of your opening paragraph based on Chpter 3.2 Opening Paragraphs from English Composition: Connect, Collaborate, Communicate

The death of Alton Sterling sent shockwaves through Baton Rouge, Louisana. Sterling was shot and killed in an act of police brutality outside of a store where he regularly sold DVDs. He was known affectionately as “CD Man” in his community. Sterling’s shooting was one of many racially charged incidents that gave rise to protests across the nation in 2016. Among these protests, one image rose to the top and became synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement. In Baton Rouge, protestor Ieshia Evans was photographed standing alone in the middle of a road while being arrested by two officers advancing from a line of police in riot gear. She stands completely still, one arm tight around her waist while the other is slightly extended to the officer running toward her. This is not a photo of a scared woman. Evans is not frozen with fear, she is rooted in her courage. Her arms at her waist and her shoulders pushed back show a woman with patience and confidence. Although her body language is stiff, Iesha Evans is fearless due to her unshakeable strength in the face of arrest.