SATIRICAL PAPER

SATIRICAL SOLUTION PAPER

1ST DRAFT DUE MONDAY, MARCH 5TH
FINAL DRAFT DUE TUESDAY, MARCH 13TH

REQUIREMENTS:
• all drafts typed, double spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font
• all outlines and drafts due with the final draft
• 500 - 750 words (2-3 pages)

SATIRE – the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices. A very common, almost defining feature of satire is a strong vein of irony or sarcasm; in fact satirical writing or drama very often professes to approve values that are the diametric opposite of what the writer actually wishes to promote.

TOPIC:
Jonathan Swift wrote “A Modest Proposal” in response to the apathy of society in dealing with the swelling population of the poor. His solution was to eat their children, thereby reducing the poor population and providing some service to society.

After our discussion of WMS as a Utopia, this paper gives you the opportunity to offer a solution to one of the issues which causes you believe WMS is not a Utopia. For example, if the issue is that “students must wake up too early in the morning,” then you must offer a solution that would make WMS more like a Utopia, such as “students should be allowed to sleep in class on beds provided by the teachers.” However, your paper must be written with the following parameters:

• your issue must be one we had on the board in class
• your tone and your solution must be satirical in nature
• your solution must not be hurtful or spiteful to any individual (this is not an opportunity to attack – it is a chance to show your wit)
• your solution needs to be supported with sound and logical reasoning (think of “A Modest Proposal”)

GRADING:
effective communicator – Is your writing clear and articulate? Can the reader easily understand the progression of your reasoning? Are grammar and mechanics used correctly so the reader is not distracted by mistakes?

information processor – Is your proposed solution supported by logical reasoning? Does you essay have a strong opening and conclusion, and are the paragraphs organized well with your arguments?

self-directed learner – Is the paper complete, on time, and does it include all drafts?