EWRT1A sections 31 and 64: essay 1 prompts

Here is a pdf of the prompts for essay 1. Be sure to read them carefully. If you have any questions, please ask me.

Here is what the pdf says:

EWRT1A-31 and 64 Essay 1- Education

Write an essay on one of the prompts below. The essay should be 3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, and in accordance with the MLA guidelines (see Rules for Writers). Cite the essay(s) you refer to and be sure to provide a works cited list.

1. As a few of our essays point out, sometimes what we say education is for doesn’t match what it actually does. So do you think that education actually does what it should? In order to answer this you’ll first need to state what you think the purpose of education is, and then state whether or not the current educational system manages to do this. Provide specific evidence to support your opinion with at least one example from our readings and one from your own experience/observation.

2. As the readings show, sometimes education works well, but sometimes it doesn’t. So what is necessary for education to operate as it should? What element or elements need to be in place for it to work properly?  Use at least one example from an essay that we have read and at least one example from your own experience/observation. 

The goal of this essay is to engage with the ideas brought up in the class. Both prompts ask you to connect at least one of the readings with your own experience and/or observation. In order to get started, you could begin with your own beliefs about education and see which reading best supports your opinion. Or you could take an insight about education articulated in one of the readings and then think of a personal experience that could act as an example. In any case, the best way to get ideas is to read the texts for the class actively and to participate in class discussion.

Also, keep in mind that you could develop your essay using both positive and negative examples, such as when education succeeds and when it fails. Just make sure that your examples serve to demonstrate a point named in your thesis. Lastly, your personal example does not have to be limited to the U.S. Just make sure it connects to an essay we’ve read and to your thesis.

Remember that a first draft and a final draft are both required.

first draft due January 24

final draft due February 5