Informal Essay Topics
English 11
Due Date: Tuesday 9/22/15
The informal essay is written mainly for enjoyment. This is not to say that it cannot be informative or persuasive;
however, it is less a formal statement than a relaxed expression of opinion, observation, humour or pleasure. A
good informal essay has a relaxed style but retains a strong structure, though that structure may be less rigid than
in a formal paper.
The informal essay tends to be more personal than the formal, even though both may express subjective opinions.
In a formal essay the writer is a silent presence behind the words, while in an informal essay the writer is speaking
directly to the reader in a conversational style. If you are writing informally, try to maintain a sense of your own
personality. Do not worry about sounding academic, but avoid sloppiness. (The UVIC Writer's Guide)
TOPICS
1. Discuss Robert Calef’s views on the puritan witch trial proceedings by giving three of his arguments. Assess his
arguments on the subject.
2. Compare the assessment of the world between William Bradford, (and/or) John Smith and/or Bartolome de las
Cases. Who has the most positive outlook on the new world in terms of social development, economic
development, potential as a powerful nation, potential as a free nation, potential as a humanitarian nation, etc.
3. Discuss two or three main reasons used by either John Smith or William Bradford that encouraged settlers to
come to America.
4. Based on Jonathan Edwards Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, give two to three reasons Edwards is either
a revolutionary puritan, or two to three reasons he is a typical puritan. Confine your argument to the notes on
puritans from class and to points made by Edwards in his sermon.
The following three will require a small amount of outside research:
5. Cotton Mather explained and Robert Calef condemned the witch trials of 17th century Salem. Looking at our
current day society, what are some aspects that future generations might view as “witch hunts”. Based on the fact
that you live today, would you be more like Mather and defend what we are doing, or more like Calef and
condemn it? Explain: 1) The subject(s) of the witch hunt, 2) current public opinion on it and 3) your stance on the
issue (with a slight comparison to Calef/Mather).
6. William Bradford and John Smith had different demographics in mind with their propaganda for the new world.
Compare their differences with modern advertising. Focus on these three points: 1) Which one (Bradford or
Smith) had a more effective presentation 2) Is being more exclusive in your audience limiting or inviting and 3)
based on your chosen advertisement(s), how well do they follow the patterns set forth by Smith or Bradford?
(So compare this to modern advertising)
7. After reading Mather and Calef, it is apparent that the witch trials were a hot topic of debate during the puritan
era. Elaborate on a modern “witchhunt”… what group is being targeted and what are the arguments against that
group? To what extent are they being defended by the public in general?
There is no specific length requirement, there are no set paragraph requirements… but you do need to fully and
convincingly address the topic.
Works Cited from handouts (the bold is what you will need to specifically add in)
Calef, Mather, Edwards and Bradford:
Lastname, First name. "Title of Work." American Literature Survey. Jones, H.M., Ed.). New York, New York, 1968. Page
range of entry.
Example:
Calef, Robert. "More Wonders of the Invisible World." American Literature Survey. Jones, H.M., Ed.). New York, New
York, 1968. 122-129.
Smith and de las Cases:
Lastname, First name. "Title of Work." Adventures in American Literature: Pegasus Edition. Abrams, W.H., Ed.). New
York, New York, 1989. Page range of entry.
Citations (examples): The Puritans did not have much of an appreciation for nature. “What could they see but a hideous and
desolate wilderness” (Bradford p. 98). Here, Bradford shows his scorn for the area outside of the settlement by calling it
“hideous and desolate”.
More information on how to compile a works cited can be found at the Purdue Online Writing Lab:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/06/
Citations are NOT required. However, to make a convincing argument or have a position based on something other than just
opinion(s), citations would be extremely helpful.