For this writing assignment (an essay of 1000-1500 words minimum), you will write an analytical essay that examines Juanita Mantz’s book, Portrait of a Deputy Public Defender as a whole text, making sure to focus deeply on at least three specific chapters (do NOT include the poem on page 19). The key is to look at the directions carefully first, and then break the task into smaller pieces. Writing one paragraph at a time can help you, like piecing together a puzzle.
Juanita Mantz’s book is the only text you will need. Use any notes you have taken on the reading, and refer to the Course Materials and the outline guide below for help with focusing your analysis. Note: Do NOT use or consult additional/outside sources for this assignment. That means NO Wikipedia, websites, etc. Stay focused on Mantz’s book, especially the chapters you decide to discuss most deeply.
DIRECTIONS/PROMPT: What parts of Juanita Mantz’s personal identity, history, and experience does she discuss in her book in order to help readers understand her motivations, values, and/or her goals–both as a legal professional and a member of society? In addressing this question, you also may consider Mantz’s insights about how “identity,” “value,” and”self-worth” are complicated and layered, especially in the American justice system. Consider techniques/strategies that Mantz uses to communicate her purpose(s) throughout the book, and how these techniques assist the reader to understand her perspective. In your concluding paragraph, explain an aspect of your own identity and/or your history that may connect or contrast with Mantz’s journey and insights.
A good planning/outline guide for paragraphs:
Intro Paragraph:
Get the reader’s attention on the big picture, theme, or central issue(s) you will be addressing. Be as VIVID as possible!
In a few sentences: Introduce the author name and book title with an overview of key ideas you will address.
Write a THESIS statement at the end. The THESIS statement is an answer to the main question in the prompt: What parts of her background or identity does Mantz present readers with in order to help them understand her motivations, values, and/or goals?
Body Paragraphs:
4-5 body paragraphs at least, but can be more
Each paragraph needs to address specific ideas from Mantz’s text that helps demonstrate your THESIS
Choose quotes from Mantz’s text thoughtfully for your analysis. Make sure you address at least 3 chapters of the book.
A good plan would be to organize your paragraphs by topics of Mantz’s identity, history, or experiences.
Introduce and cite quotes properly in MLA format.
Conclusion Paragraph:
This is where you bring in a connection from your own life, history, or perspective that links to the book and adds another layer of understanding to your overall thesis.
Works Cited page (separate page)
For this paper, you will only be using one book by one author (Juanita Mantz)–but we will practice how to create a works cited page that lists each of the chapters you address.
For your rough draft of your works cited page, make a list of the 3 chapters you are discussing and identify the page range for each
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