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105 Kim: The Undocumented Americans

ENGL 105 Lesson Materials

ENG 105 Kim Fall 2025 by canlibcirc

Assignment

Essay 3: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans

Our textual analysis of The Undocumented Americans led us to examine the immigrant and undocumented experience in the United States. The text demonstrates the technological, economic, social, and political systems at play in the United States and the various ways in which they affect different groups of  people. 

In this essay, ask this guiding question: What does an analysis of undocumented immigrants in the United States show? In other words, what is the main issue that comes to light when we examine the experience of undocumented immigrants in the United States? Use evidence both from The Undocumented Americans and research to support your claims. 

Essay Prompt: Select a theme or topic that resonates from your reading of Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans. Investigate this theme/topic and compose an essay with an argument, referencing the text as well as a minimum of 2 sources of scholarly or popular research. Please include a Works Cited page with your final draft (3-6 double-spaced pages).

Questions & Ideas to Consider:

  • uncheckedWhich themes and issues did you find interesting as you read the book?
  • uncheckedWhich sections, topics, or stories stood out to you? Why?
  • uncheckedWhat trends or connections did you notice among the topics discussed in the book and in class? 

Potential Essay Topics:

  • uncheckedImmigration
  • uncheckedUnsafe/unfair working conditions 
  • uncheckedWorkers’ rights 
  • uncheckedMental Health
  • uncheckedThe “American dream”
  • uncheckedHealthcare

 

Due Dates: 

Date

Items Due

Tuesday, November 11 before class
  1. Annotated Bibliography (minimum two secondary sources)
  2. XYZ Thesis Statement
 

Submit each item on Canvas or bring them to class. 

Tuesday, November 18 before class

Rough Draft with at least an introduction paragraph and 1-2 body paragraphs.

 

Submit on Canvas in Rough Draft Discussion Board.

Friday, November 21 at 11:59pm 

Final Draft with Works Cited.

 

Submit on Canvas in Essay 3 assignment. 

Essay Goals and Requirements: 

  • uncheckedPurpose: Write a clear thesis statement (argument) that takes an explicit position on your chosen topic from The Undocumented Americans. Try to use the XYZ method to craft your thesis statement.
  • uncheckedSupport: Explicitly reference to Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans and at least two secondary scholarly or popular sources to support your argument. Use quotations/citations in MLA style and include a Works Cited page. 
  • uncheckedAudience: Your goal is to explain your theme/topic and provide evidence and examples (from The Undocumented Americans and your scholarly/popular sources) to support your argument/position. Try to leave the reader with new insights regarding your argument/topic. 
  • uncheckedProcess: Prepare and submit an annotated bibliography (minimum two sources) and XYZ thesis statement on Canvas before class on Tuesday, November 11. Prepare and submit a Rough Draft on Canvas before class on Tuesday, November 18. Participate in workshopping/peer review at least once. 
  • uncheckedEditing: Make a good faith effort to proofread your essay so that it’s as “reader-friendly” as possible. 
  • uncheckedLength: Allow yourself enough space to fully explain and support your argument and develop your ideas (about 3-6 pages, double-spaced). 

Grading Rubric:

High Pass

Pass
  • uncheckedPrepare and submit all items by their due dates.
  • uncheckedParticipate in workshopping/peer review in class at least once. 
  • uncheckedFinal Draft of Essay 3 meets the minimum word count and meets all the essay goals and requirements. 
  • uncheckedEssay successfully crafts an argument using an XYZ thesis statement and integrates evidence from primary and secondary sources to support the argument. 
  • uncheckedPrepare and submit all items by their due dates. 
  • uncheckedParticipate in workshopping/peer review in class at least once. 
  • uncheckedFinal Draft of Essay 3 meets the minimum word count and meets most of the essay goals and requirements. 

 

Essays that do not meet the required word count, or meet few or none of the essay goals or requirements will receive a “Not Yet Passing” and must be revised.