Summative Assessment # 2: My Brooklyn

We started class this year looking at census data so that we all have a picture of what the current state of Brooklyn is today. Next we are going to write a personal narrative in which each of you reflects on your own personal connection to Brooklyn. By now you have all read and become familiar with the Colson Whitehead essay, “City Limits.” Whitehead contends that everyone has a private definition of New York, and that each experience we have adds another brick to our New York story.  To better understand our own Brooklyn stories it is important to clarify in writing what Brooklyn means to each of us. Your 2nd large writing assignment will be an exploration of your own private New York, entitled “My Brooklyn (if you live in another borough you can write about that borough).”

Below are the guidelines to writing your essay:

• The assignment should be 2 pages minimum and 4 pages maximum (1-2 pages typed).

Writing Prompts:

• What is “your Brooklyn?”
• How has “your Brooklyn” changed in your life?

1. Life in “your Brooklyn” and/or your neighborhood (People, the streets, communities, etc.)
2. Sights, sounds and smells in “your Brooklyn”
3. Early memories, important memories
4. Something you wish was still around
5. Something new
6. Population change
7. Trends you notice (new buildings, stores, etc.)

Techniques you must use in your paper:

• Detailed Description: make sure your reader can create a picture in their head of what you are explaining in your writing.
• Commentary: This means adding your opinions and how you feel about “your Brooklyn” and the changes that have happened (remember the Bronx slideshow).

This is a summative assessment and will count towards your academic mastery grade!

^{Final Draft Due Monday October 3rd}