English 099 - In Class Essay Prompt
Style: Compare and Contrast.
Pass / No Pass
Passing Paper Requirements. You will need:
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A brief outline (which includes thesis and keywords for each paragraph)
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A limited, clear thesis which must be underlined.
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A double spaced, 6 paragraph (minimum), academic (3rd person) essay
Passing Essays Will Also Demonstrate:
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Coherency by using strong transitions and topic sentences
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Unified paragraphs by fully developing ideas and supporting them with specific details
from essays, poems, lyrics or film. Not providing enough detail and analysis can affect
the success of your essay.
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Avoidance of errors in confused words (homophones), fragments, and run-ons.
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Overall clear communication and college level vocabulary.
Special Tips:
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You may use your Sparks textbook, but do so sparingly! Watch the time!
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Create a time “budget” which allows for brainstorming and proofreading. This is not a
race! Use your time to develop your ideas fully. No essays will be accepted before an
hour has passed.
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Do not write a rough draft; you will not have time to rewrite your essay! Create a strong
outline instead!
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Double space and do not write on the back of your paper.
•
Present a paper that is relatively clean and legible. If you make a mistake simply cross
it out and rewrite that section on the skipped line above.
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Dictionaries will not be allowed during the first hour of the exam.
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Ask me if you have questions!
Assignment:
Respond to one of the topics below. Write the number of the topic you have chosen next to the title of
your essay. Turn this page in with your completed exam.
1. Compare and contrast how the authors come to terms with sexuality or gender roles in the
essays “Burls” and “Disposable Rocket.” You may wish to discuss the tone of each and
address what makes each essay unique and insightful, or consider the success of these
essays in terms of author’s purpose and intended audience. Use details and examples from
the essays to support your opinion.
2. Show the similarities and differences between the excerpt from the poem “The Wasteland” by
T.S. Eliot and the lyrics from the Beatles song, A Day in the Life. Some possible areas of focus
may be (but not limited to) life, death, perceived reality and illusion (dream, death, drugs, etc).
Use specific details from both sources to support your opinion.
3. What similarities and differences appear in the essays “Graven Images” and “Burls” that reveal
the ways some people may experience a “disillusioning confrontation” with reality? Use details
and examples from these essays to support your opinion.
Essay Prompt
America is a country with many diverse beliefs and moral standards. Each year there
are several works of literature that are attacked, protested, disapproved of, or banned in
American schools. Some educators argue that books with questionable content,
language, or tone should not be encouraged in elementary schools. Others argue the
artistic purpose and value of these books makes them worth reading.
A recent book that has stirred controversy is J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer’s Stone. Although American children rush to read this book, some in education
believe that Harry Potter books should be banned because of their fantastic nature and
embrace of magic; others, however, are thrilled that children are reading anything.
What are the advantages or disadvantages of monitoring children’s reading habits by
banning books in schools? Write an analytical essay in which you provide examples and
evidence to support your ideas.