Paper Description: In an effort to better comprehend the personal experience of

Paper Description:
In an effort to better comprehend the personal experience of living with mental illness this memoir has been assigned, The Unquiet Room. You should consider this a creative, reflective writing assignment without structured, formal guidelines. In whatever style you choose, your paper should read as a general “reaction” to the memoirs. You should share your thoughts about the author’s experience as well as the way in which her story was told. If you prefer a more structured approach, you can develop your essay around a central theme of your choice. In general, your essay should demonstrate that you have read the memoirs thoroughly and that you have applied critical reflection on the work. You should not simply re-tell the story. You may want to read a book review/critique written by a professional writer for ideas on style.
Here are a few questions to stimulate your thinking:
1. What was your overall impression of each book-enjoyable, interesting, boring, disturbing, unsettling, etc.?
2. What was your general opinion of each author and the way in which she told her story? 3. In your opinion, is there a central theme to the memoirs? 4. Was your understanding of the illness advanced? If yes, in what way? 5. Both books were on The New York Times Bestseller List for several months. What messages about mental illness are given to society at large through these authors’ personal stories? Note: If you choose to quote the authors, make sure to include the page number of your quotation. I would encourage direct quotes from the text. Also, please remain focused on the author’s work. I am always moved by students’ personal experiences which may relate to the memoirs; however, the objective of this assignment is to analyze the memoir. Please do not include personal experiences in your description. Do not use the first person.
Memoir Review—Grading Rubric
Check Plus Plus (97-100)
This grade is reserved for those papers which accomplish all of the requirements in sections below. In addition, the paper is considered to represent the best book review in comparison to other students
Check Plus (93-96)
Demonstrates significant proof, through detail, that the memoir was read in its entirety.
Provides general reflection and references to specific sections of the text. Student may quote directly from the text, with proper citations.
Provides summary with critique/analysis rather than just retelling the story.
Provides elaboration on thoughts/themes. For example, rather than stating, “This was a compelling section of the memoir,” the student will provide rationale, justification, “This was a compelling section because…”
Paper is well organized and proofread. Student takes the time and effort to tie their thoughts together so that it reads clearly. Any issues with organization or grammar are minor and do not interfere with reader’s understanding of the essay.
Does not refer to personal experiences.
Overall, reads as a literary critique with depth and elaboration.
Check (89-92)
Demonstrates significant proof, through detail, that memoir was read in its entirety. Provides general reflection and few references to specific sections of the text.
Provides summary with critique/analysis rather than just retelling the story—though critique/analysis may be less thorough/more shallow than that of a check plus.
Provides some elaboration on thoughts/themes. For example, rather than stating, “This was a compelling section of the memoir,” the student will provide rationale, justification, “This was a compelling section because…” In comparison to check plus, grader may feel that additional depth is needed.
Paper could use more time and effort to be better organized (e.g., sometimes thoughts are hard to follow).
Does not refer to personal experiences OR if so, has only minimal disclosure which are relevant to memoir is stated.
Overall, reads as a literary critique but needs more detail and elaboration.
Check Minus (85-88) This is the general range. If the paper does not represent a B paper, the grader may give a lower numerical grade.
Does not demonstrate significant proof, through detail that memoir was read in its entirety. Reflection leads grader to question whether the student completed the memoir.
Does not reference specific sections of the text.
Provides summary only without critique/analysis.
Does not provide elaboration on thoughts/themes. Student just scrapes the surface without taking the time and effort to explore ideas further.
Paper may have many issues with organization or grammar that interfere with the readers’ understanding of the essay.
Student writes about his/her personal experiences in too much depth without relating the experience to the memoir. Overall, student does not provide critique/analysis/elaboration. In general, the reflection may read as if it were rushed and/or the memoir was not read. Lacks depth…
NOTE: Papers must meet the 4 page minimum requirement. Plagiarized papers will be reported.