Douglass and Corcoran on Learning to Read
Begin by reading:
The writing assignment:
Douglass and Corcoran both faced enormous obstacles to literacy. Learning to read was not automatic for
them, yet they both did learn to read. What did they have in common? What can you learn from their quest
that you can apply to your own education?
Your task in this paper is to discuss paths to literacy: Frederick Douglass, John Corcoran, and
yourself. Find points of comparison and contrast, formulate a thesis, and support your thesis.
Mechanical details:
-
The final product will be typed and double-spaced according to
MLA format.
- The essay will be at least 1300 words long. (That's about 4 pages in standard format.)
-
If the paper does not meet the minimum length requirement, it will be penalized. If you can't think
up enough material for four pages, ask for help! Go to the
Writing Center! Ask the instructor for advice!
-
The final copy of the paper will be submitted through the
Blackboard drop box. To
submit your essay, open the Course Essentials folder at the top of our Blackboard page and
find this essay’s drop box in the Written Assignment Drop Boxes folder.
Due dates:
-
Analyzing your draft: Bring your rough draft of Essay #4 to class Friday, November 20, 2026
-
Peer Editing: Bring
two paper copies of your
rough draft of Essay #4 to class Monday, November 23, 2026
- Final Copy Due: Monday, November 30, 2026
This essay is worth 100 points.