A discourse community is a group that shares beliefs and communication practices that reinforce the values of that community. Part of becoming a student is to enter into and conform to the academic discourse community. By conforming to the rules of this community, you are often asked to put aside your other communities. But why?
In this essay, you will have the chance to ask academic discourses to meet you where are. You will write a proposal argument that suggests a word or phrase from a discourse community you are a part of outside of school. You will explain where this phrase comes from, how to use it, and why it should be included in academic discourses.
Organize your essay based on general structure described in Chapter 3,
start the essay with an introduction and thesis that states your topic + stance + reasons + importance
end the essay with a conclusion that considers the significance or other applications of your argument
follow the Yes, But, So pattern of the textbook in the body of your essay
o the Yes of this essay is your explanation of the phrase and where it comes from
o the But of this essay is your explanation of why and how this phrase should be included in academic discourse
o the So of this essay is your conclusion: why is it important for students to feel that they have some say in shaping academic discourse?
Your essay does not need to cite any sources, but it can. If you cite sources, make sure to clearly identify the sources as you cite them. A Works Cited page is not needed.
Process
1. Brainstorm ideas for the essay. Choose a term and post it to the discussion board.
2. Write your body paragraphs
3. After completing the work for Weeks 5 and 6, write your conclusions.
4. Write an introduction and thesis that states the overall argument of the essay
5. Peer Review or Self-Review your essay
6. Revise your essay with the feedback from review and incorporating the lessons from the Writing Games
Testimonials
