Final Essay – Analyze a Social Issue
Assignment: Write a lengthy, detailed paper about one of the topics on the back of
this page.
Goal: Each student should write about a topic that is related to his or her major. For
example, if you are majoring in Economics, Topic #6 would be best for you. This
topic will expand your vocabulary for your major.
It is also possible to develop your own topic, as long as you work with me to do so.
Style: This is a classification essay. A classification essay describes an issue or item
by analyzing its components. The significance of this issue is also discussed; it is
often mentioned in the introduction and then expanded upon in the conclusion (or
in the final body paragraph, though the number of body paragraphs is usually
determined by the number of components discussed in the paper).
Process: You will build this paper both inside and outside of class. You will conduct
research in order to better understand your topic, to support the claims you make in
your paper, and to fully develop your ideas; you will also conduct research to
determine the vocabulary you need in order to write about your topic at an
academic level.
Special Requirements: For your final writing project, you will
1) make a list of 25 vocabulary words
2) do online and library research to find supporting facts
3) find or create a visual aid (chart, diagram, etc.) to include in
your paper.
Due date: Monday, December 12th – no late papers can be accepted!!!
One more thing: If you have never been to my office, I would like to see you. Please
make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
Topics (from the TOEFL):
1. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare than ever. Do you think microwave ovens
and fast food restaurants are beneficial to society because they make eating easier? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Telephones and E-mail have
made communication between people less personal. Use specific reasons and examples to
support your opinion.
3. Some people believe that communication across cultures is successful when both
languages are fully understood. Other people believe that a strong knowledge of culture is
more important than strong language skills. Which do you believe and why?
4. If you were an employer, which kind of worker would you prefer to hire: an
inexperienced worker at a lower salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary? Use
specific reasons and details to support your answer.
5. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and
examples to explain why these qualities are important.
6. Some people feel that governments should provide bailout money for troubled banks in
order to save the economy. Others feel that irresponsible lenders should not be given a
second chance because of the enormous cost. What do you believe and why?
7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Lawyers should do anything they
can to win a case. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives
should make important decisions for their older teenage children (15 to 18 years old). Use
specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
9. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or
disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
10. Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings, or destroy them and replace them
with modern buildings? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
11. Recently, workers found ancient artifacts at a construction site, so they stopped
construction. However, many local people are upset because they want the new building.
Should the building continue, or should the artifacts be saved? Explain your choice, using
specific reasons and details.
12. What discovery or invention in the last 100 years has been most beneficial for people in
your country? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
13. Some people feel that doctors should work hard to save every human life. Other people
feel that we should not interfere with God or nature. What do you believe and why?