MWP #1: Profile of a Culture or Ethnic Group
Weight: 20% of final grade
Length and Formatting: 2–3 pages, typed, double-spaced, Black 12-point Times New Roman font, MLA format
Assignment Preparation: Brainstorm about a culture or ethnic group. Think about how this group influences the way individuals live, learn, and behave socially. Clarify why these categories impact the group specifically. Free-write for 5–10 minutes about outsider perceptions. Identify possible insiders on campus or in the community who could provide authentic insights.
Assignment: Write a profile of a culture or ethnic group that focuses on beliefs, education, and social preferences. Use 3rd person point of view.
Your profile should:
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Describe the group’s key features.
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Explain what makes it distinct.
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Identify what outcomes or experiences someone entering the culture can reasonably expect.
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Focus on 3 key takeaways that go beyond stereotypes and common knowledge.
Audience: First-year college students reading “Campus Life,” who may not have thought deeply about other cultures.
Research: Up to 2 sources only. Use in-class texts, Jstor, or library sources. Avoid Google. Quote sparingly and only when necessary.
Rationale: This assignment builds rhetorical awareness, specificity, and organization beyond the standard five-paragraph essay.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Brainstorm and Prewrite
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Choose one culture or ethnic group.
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Make a list of features under categories (beliefs, education, social preferences).
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Write briefly about outsider perceptions.
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Identify at least one “insider” (campus or community member) who could provide cultural insights.
Step 2: Develop Your Thesis and 3 Key Takeaways
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Craft a clear thesis that explains why this group is distinct.
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Identify three key points readers should learn (e.g., spiritual beliefs, educational traditions, social customs).
Step 3: Structure Your Essay (2–3 Pages)
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Introduction – Present the group, context, and thesis (3 key takeaways).
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Body Paragraphs (x3) – Each paragraph should expand on one takeaway:
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Beliefs (religion, values, worldview)
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Education (learning styles, traditions, systems)
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Social preferences (family structure, customs, celebrations)
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Conclusion – Summarize insights and highlight how understanding this group enriches campus life.
Step 4: Research and MLA Formatting
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Use max 2 sources (in-class text, Jstor, library database).
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Introduce quotes properly and explain their significance.
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Use MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Step 5: Revise and Finalize
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Double-check formatting: Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced, MLA headings.
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Proofread grammar and spelling.
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Make sure you’ve focused on 3 main points instead of listing many.
Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.
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