| In the Spring 95 semester, the fourth major paper was the last. For it, students were given a fairly wide range of options, but they were told that their very choice would have an effect on their grade. In essence, this approach allows weak students to choose an easy option and get a passing grade, while enabling stronger students to show what they can do. |
The fourth major paper is due on Thursday/Friday, April 27/28 (W16B/C). Write a 500-750 word essay on ONE of the following. The paper must be typed, double-spaced. Log your time on an MP log. Put two copies of the paper, all your notes, drafts, and the outline in an envelope. Put your name on the envelope.
1. An instructor told students to copy, skipping lines, a passage from an overhead projection. As the students copied, the instructor, walking around the room, noted that three men and two women were not skipping lines. From this, the instructor concluded that men are more stupid than women. Write an essay in which you agree or disagree with the instructor's logic. (Be sure to consider as many things as you can that would be relevant to the conclusion.)
2. The attendance policy at Penn College is often an issue with students. Read Randy Brook's essay in As Is. Find out what the official policy is. (It has been changed and is in your student handbook.) Examine how different instructors interpret it; examine the issues involved; and then write an essay supporting or attacking the current policy.
3. Write an essay in which you examine the advantages and disadvantages of having students keep a study log.
4. Write an essay on how to write an essay. (Remember that not everyone works as you do.) Your audience for this assignment is students who are beginning this course.
5. In The Devil's Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce defines education as "that which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding." Using examples of people whom you know (You may change their names.), write an essay explaining what Bierce may have meant.
6. In Poor Richard's Almanack, Benjamin Franklin wrote: "Nine men in ten are suicides." Obviously, Franklin was speaking figuratively. Consider what is relevant to the quotation and write an essay in which you explain various ways in which they committed suicide.
7. Write an essay in which you justify the grade you should get in this course.
8. Write an essay for your high school newspaper in which you explain the differences between high school and college.
9. Write an essay about your favorite place. (Your purpose is to get your readers to go there.)