COMPOSITION #1/EXEMPLIFICATION ESSAY/ENGLISH 450/UTSLER
Your completed essay will be assessed, based on your use of an effective
introductory paragraph (with appropriate thesis statement), multiple body
paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Also, your use of rhetorical
development strategies, including exemplification, will be evaluated.
Additional materials, designed to help you prepare your essay, will be
provided during class sessions.
Choose one of the following options:
1. The anonymous student writer of “Learning to Learn” argues for a
learning environment where students participate actively; in part, she
encourages student “questioning.” Why do college students tend to
avoid asking questions during class? Provide specific examples to
support your response.
2. In “Learning to Learn” and “On Being 17, Bright, and Unable to Read,”
student writers explore their experiences with learning and the
educational system. What specific qualities contribute to an effective
learning environment? Provide specific examples to illustrate your
points.
3. In “It’s Time to Drop the Consumer Label,” Michelle Singletary argues
that “our children are courted as consumers even before they have fulltime employment.” Do you agree that children are targeted as
consumers? Provide specific examples to support your response.
4. In “And Maybe I Can Also Walk On Water,” Dr. Bill Cosby discusses
how his perspectives, related to aging, have changed over time. How
have your views on one specific subject changed over time? Provide
specific examples to support your response. (You may choose to write
about aging, childhood, adulthood, parenthood, love, friendship,
education, politics, or another subject.)
5. In his article, Peter Kratcoski discusses what “sorts of pastimes”
children participated in when he was a child. What specific activities
did you participate in as a child? Focus on one specific aspect of your
childhood, such as school time, family time, television time, friend time,
or chore time. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
6. Propose another essay topic, based on class discussion, notebook
entries, and/or assigned readings. Your topic must be approved by the
instructor, and your completed essay must feature extensive use of
exemplification.