EN 101
Instructor: Adam Weinstein
Essay 5: “How To Survive In Alabama”
Type of Paper: Process Analysis
Length: 1000 words
Due Tuesday, November 20, by midnight
Essay Model: “How To Fend Off A Shark Attack,” “How To Get Out Of A Locked Trunk”
When I first moved to Alabama I was in a bit of culture shock. This was completely unfamiliar territory. I didn’t know how to talk to people, how to get crushed red pepper for my pizza, how to order the perfect sweet-tea, how to work the line at the City Café, how to walk around when it’s 95 degrees and 100% humidity (the Alabama shuffle), or how to deal with game day (leave town). Learning how to do these things taught me a lot about the culture of Alabama (Tuscaloosa in particular). I learned that the pacing is different, that the landscape determines a lot of day-to-day activity, and what it means to have a culture of football.
In this essay you will be describing a particular process, under the general theme of “How To Survive In Alabama.” By process, I mean how to do something. This essay will combine elements of process analysis and memoir, and will be geared towards someone who has never been to Alabama.
As in all essays you write, the form/organization will vary. However, I will be looking for these criteria:
1. Your essay must address a particular topic, such as, “How to Make Banana Pudding,” or “How to Fend Off a Wild Dog,” or, “How to Fend Off a Wild Fan.”
2. Because this essay combines elements of memoir, I want you to be thinking about description—not only should your reader learn how to do something new, but they should get a strong sense of place. This means you should use a lot of vivid details, and strong elements of narration.
3. After reading your essay, I should have a clear idea of exactly how to go about doing whatever it is you’ve set out to describe. This means CLARITY!