Overview
Hi, I need help with my COMM 175 Midterm #2 paper. I’m including everything here so it’s completely clear.
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS:
Take-home midterm paper Choose ONE prompt 6–7 pages Due June 8 at noon No outside research allowed Must use class materials only (film + class ideas + The Shape of Content if needed)
IMPORTANT:
- No ChatGPT or AI tools
- Focus on strong argument, deep analysis, and clear organization
- This needs to be an analytical argumentative essay, NOT a movie summary
MAIN FILM (USE THIS):
Film: Do the Right Thing (1989)
Director: Spike Lee
Link to watch:
https://vimeo.com/384878172
WHAT THE FILM IS ABOUT (SIMPLE):
The film takes place in Brooklyn, New York, on a very hot day and shows rising racial tension between different communities in the neighborhood.
Major themes:
- racism
- injustice
- community conflict
- responsibility
- power
- violence
- communication breakdown
- how small conflicts escalate into major events
WHAT I NEED FROM YOU:
- Watch the full film carefully
- While watching, take notes on:
- important scenes
- major conflicts
- character relationships
- symbolism
- visual choices
- themes
- moments that connect to the main argument
- Help me choose the strongest prompt (likely Prompt 1)
- Help me fully understand the prompt before writing
- Identify:
- 5–7 key scenes
- major themes
- strongest evidence for the argument
- Create a STRONG argumentative thesis
IMPORTANT:
The thesis should be very specific and debatable, not broad or descriptive. - Create a DETAILED outline BEFORE writing
This is extremely important because my professor said organization was one of the biggest weaknesses in my last paper.
IMPORTANT FEEDBACK FROM MY LAST PAPER:
I received a B on Midterm #1.
Professor feedback: “You had many good ideas, but you didn't organize your arguments very well or develop them deeply enough. Next time, write an outline, and only after you know what you are going to write, get started writing your essay.”
Because of this, the MAIN focus for this paper should be:
- stronger organization
- deeper analysis
- clearer paragraph structure
- more development of ideas
- stronger flow between paragraphs
- less plot summary
- more analytical writing
VERY IMPORTANT WRITING INSTRUCTIONS:
- STRONG OUTLINE FIRST
Please fully outline the essay before writing the draft.
Every paragraph should have:
- one main argument
- a clear topic sentence
- scene evidence
- explanation of WHY the scene matters
- connection back to the thesis
- DEEPER ANALYSIS
Do NOT just summarize scenes.
Go deeper into:
- racial tension
- Spike Lee’s filmmaking choices
- symbolism
- character decisions
- social commentary
- justice vs violence
- community responsibility
- power dynamics
- LESS SUMMARY / MORE ARGUMENT
Avoid retelling the movie.
Use scenes as evidence to support analysis. - STRONG ORGANIZATION
The paper should flow logically.
Each paragraph should clearly build on the previous one. - STRONGER BODY PARAGRAPHS
Avoid vague or repetitive paragraphs.
Each paragraph should focus on ONE specific idea/theme. - DEVELOP IDEAS MORE DEEPLY
The professor specifically said my arguments were not developed deeply enough in the last paper.
Please expand analysis carefully and explain ideas fully instead of moving too quickly.
FORMAT / STRUCTURE (VERY IMPORTANT):
Use the EXACT SAME structure and formatting style as my Midterm #1 paper.
I attached:
- my full Midterm #1 paper PDF
- the professor’s feedback from that paper
Please read through the Midterm #1 paper carefully before starting so you understand:
- the structure
- formatting
- paragraph style
- organization style
- overall flow the professor expects
IMPORTANT: The Midterm #1 paper is ONLY a guideline for:
- formatting
- structure
- organization
- overall essay layout
Do NOT copy or reuse any content or arguments from the first paper.
Use:
- title at the top
- name, professor, class, date
- double spaced
- Times New Roman size 12
- introduction
- body paragraphs
- conclusion
- no bibliography
- no works cited page
- no MLA or Chicago formatting
TYPE OF PAPER:
This is an argumentative analytical essay using a film as the primary evidence source.
Every paragraph should:
- focus on one argument
- use a specific scene
- explain what happens briefly
- explain WHY it matters
- connect back to the thesis
GOAL:
I want this paper to improve from the last one and reach A-level quality.
The biggest improvements needed are:
- stronger organization
- deeper analysis
- clearer argument development
- stronger paragraph structure
- less summary and more interpretation
I attached my Midterm #1 paper PDF and the professor feedback so you can carefully study what worked and what needs improvement before starting Midterm #2.