PRE-WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read the following passage carefully.
In his essay entitled “Culture Has Consequences,” Charles Krauthammer
observes that
Kids see 10,000 killings on TV by age 18. Is it any wonder that a
growing number might like to commit just one? Sexual aggression and
misogyny are celebrated in rap. Is it any wonder that kids arrested for
rape and murder are utterly conscienceless and uncomprehending?
2.
Krauthammer suggests that culture (television and rap
music, in this case) can influence the way people behave in
society. What do you think is the connection between
culture and society? How much influence do you think
popular culture has over people’s behavior?
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
3.
Think of one specific example
television show, a musical artist,
piece of literature, etc.), and in
its positive or negative influence
of “culture” (a
a film, a work of art, a
a short essay, discuss
on society.
Helpful Hints
• Be as specific as possible; you may use examples from
your own experience
• Don’t waste time on a lengthy introduction; get to the
point right away
PRE-WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read carefully the following excerpt from Ji-Yeon Mary
Yuhfill’s essay, “Let’s Tell the Story of All America’s
Cultures.”
“A committee of scholars and teachers gathered by the New York State
Department of Education recommends that public schools provide a
‘multicultural education, anchored to the shared principles of a liberal
democracy.’ What that means is recognizing that America was shaped and
continues to be shaped by people of diverse backgrounds. But several dissenting
members of the committee worry that America will splinter into ethnic
fragments if this multicultural curriculum is adopted. They argue that the
committee’s report puts the focus on ethnicity at the expense of national unity.”
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
2.
In a short essay, either support or attack the idea
that the public schools should “tell the story of all
America’s cultures” instead of just the story of the
dominant culture.
Helpful Writing Tips
• Be as specific as possible; you may use examples from
your own experience
• Don’t waste time on a lengthy introduction; get to the
point right away
PRE-WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Read carefully the following excerpt from Roger
Sipher’s essay, “So That Nobody Has to Go to School If They
Don’t Want To.”
“A decline in standardized test scores is but the most recent indicator that
American education is in trouble. One reason for the crisis is that present
mandatory-attendance laws force many to attend school who have no wish to be
there. Such children have little desire to learn and are so antagonistic to school
that neither they nor more highly motivated students receive the quality
education that is the birthright of every American.
The solution to this problem is simple: Abolish compulsory-attendance
laws and allow only those who are committed to getting an education to attend.”
2.
Think for a few minutes about the implications of
abolishing compulsory-attendance laws. What are the
benefits of compulsory-attendance laws? How would this
country be affected if all young people were not forced to
attend school for 12 years? Think about your own experience
of attending school.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
3.
Write an essay in which you either support or attack
Sipher’s claim that the solution to the crisis in American
education is to abolish compulsory-attendance laws.
Helpful Hints
• Be as specific as possible; you may use examples from
your own experience
•
Don’t waste time on a lengthy introduction; get right to
your main point
• Decide whether to support or attack Sipher’s claim; don’t
try to do both
Pre-Writing Instructions
1.
Read the following passage carefully.
We all proceed with people on the basis of an unspoken rule that
everyone is as he or she looks. In other words, we all seem to think--despite
evidence to the contrary--that we can judge people mainly by their physical
appearance. People whose looks approximate the cultural ideal possess unfair
advantages in our current value system. If you look good, you can get ahead.
Writing Instructions
2.
Write an essay in which you either support or refute
the claims advanced in the excerpt above.
Helpful Writing Tips
• Be as specific as possible; you may use examples from
your own experience.
• Don’t waste time on a lengthy introduction; get to the
point right away.
Pre-Writing Instructions
1.
Read the following passage carefully.
Americans are more materialistic and achievement-oriented than they are
willing to admit. While many people sing the praises of “family values,”
Americans really only value the dollar. Family values should be a strengthening
of relationships with others, not with money and competition.
Writing Instructions
2.
In a short essay, discuss the validity of the claim
that family values and money are incompatible.
Helpful Writing Tips
• Be as specific as possible; you may use examples from
your own experiences.
• Don’t waste time on a lengthy introduction; get to the
point right away.