We generally use third person exclusively in academic or scholarly writing, unless we are specifically directed to use first person. Last week, your narrative was written in first person, since it was about your own life. This week, you will need to be aware of what person you are in, and take out first and second person. Here is an example:

I love my country because it represents liberty and justice. This is first person. You do not want to write this in academic writing unless you are directed to write in first person.

You love your country because it represents liberty and justice. This is second person. You do not want to write this in academic writing unless you are allowed to use second person.

Americans love their country because it represents liberty and justice. This is third person. This is the preferred voice for academic writing.

Third person lends authority to your writing. Look at the difference between these two sentences:

The second sentence sounds more authoritative, doesn’t it?

For Essay 2, you will need to integrate a minimum of 2 sources from any or all of the three article databases. Remember that an informative essay does not include the writer’s feelings or opinions, but simply informs the reader about the topic. Make sure you refer to your Essay 2 checklist before and after you have written your draft. All essays should be in MLA format and contain the essay checklist. Your essay should be between 500-750 words.

See Week 3 Assignment Materials for a sample essay that may be used as a template. 

In your essay feedback it may be recommended that you use the tutoring services available through the library portal. Students who have utilized this resource have significantly improved their writing and raised their grades. You can find more about tutoring from the APUS Online Library homepage.

Essay 2: Writer’s Checklist for Informational Essay

1. Does my introduction clearly state my thesis and give the reader an indication of the direction my essay will take?
2. Are my topic sentences and body paragraphs clear and well developed?
3. Have I fully supported my thesis with ample supporting details and examples?
4. Have I used a sufficient number and variety of sources in my paper?
5. Are all of my sources properly cited in the body of my paper according to MLA format?
6. Does my conclusion effectively summarize my main points and restate my thesis in different words?
7. Have I carefully proofread and revised my paper for sentence variety, word choice, grammar, and punctuation?
8. Does my Works Cited page include only the sources cited in the text? Is it correctly formatted?
9. Have I used the correct margins, line spacing, and other format issues required by the MLA sample essay and the sample provided by my instructor?

DISCLAIMER: Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

Reminder: Your draft is due on the Week 4B Forum, and your final draft is due by 11:55pm, ET, Sunday of Week 4.

See attachments for sample essay template and grading rubric.