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WorksheetsQ2 Semester Exam Review English III-AP
Total questions: 76
Worksheet time: 53mins
What is the primary purpose of the passage?
To argue that space exploration should receive more funding than taxonomy
To criticize the neglect of taxonomy and advocate for its revitalization to benefit various scientific fields
To explain the history and development of biodiversity studies
To demonstrate how biodiversity studies can be applied to human medicine
Which of the following best describes the intended audience of the passage?
General readers with no prior knowledge of science
Specialists in space exploration and biomedical studies
Scientists, policymakers, and individuals concerned with biological research and conservation
High school students studying ecology and taxonomy
What rhetorical strategy does the author use to emphasize the importance of taxonomy in the opening paragraph?
Using a personal anecdote to illustrate the effects of neglecting taxonomy
Presenting a striking comparison between knowledge of Earth and the moon/Mars
Providing statistical data to highlight the lack of funding in taxonomy
Acknowledging and refuting opposing viewpoints about the significance of taxonomy
How does the author’s use of the Chinese proverb, "the beginning of wisdom is getting things by their right names," contribute to the rhetorical situation?
A) It appeals to the audience's sense of humor to lighten the tone of the argument.
B) It establishes the author as an authority on Chinese proverbs.
C) It appeals to the audience's sense of logic, reinforcing the importance of correct identification in scientific research.
D) It introduces a counterargument by questioning the value of taxonomy.
Which component of the rhetorical situation is highlighted by the author’s reference to "the recognition that human activity threatens the extinction of... species"?
Context, as it situates the argument within current environmental concerns
Speaker, by showing the author’s expertise in environmental science
Audience, by appealing to scientists who work in conservation
Purpose, by outlining the reasons for the importance of taxonomy in understanding biodiversity
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the introductory paragraph in the passage?
To provide a historical background on the development of taxonomy
To highlight the current neglect of taxonomy and its potential impact on biological studies
To discuss the advancements in space exploration and biomedical studies
To argue that biodiversity studies have already solved the problems caused by the lack of taxonomical expertise
How does the conclusion of the passage contribute to the overall argument about biodiversity?
It provides examples of how biodiversity studies have already improved human welfare.
It summarizes the scientific methods used in taxonomy and biogeography.
It stresses the importance of conserving species to ensure human progress and suggests a solution to the issue.
It questions the significance of biodiversity studies compared to other scientific fields.
Which rhetorical strategy is primarily used in the first sentence of the passage, "We know less about life on earth than we know about the surface of the moon and Mars"?
Providing a statistic to highlight the urgency of the issue
Using a surprising comparison to emphasize the neglected state of earthly life
Introducing a counterargument to the necessity of biological research
Establishing a scientific claim to support the discussion of taxonomy
What is the primary purpose of the introductory information about springtails and oribatid mites?
To provide specific examples of how taxonomical knowledge is underdeveloped
To explain the importance of these creatures in ecological systems
To critique the lack of government funding for scientific research
To establish the complexity of life forms that require expert study and classification
Which of the following is the most likely effect of the passage's concluding sentence: "As the Chinese say, the beginning of wisdom is getting things by their right names"?
It adds a cultural perspective to the argument for taxonomy's importance
It questions the effectiveness of scientific research in naming species
It appeals to logos by providing a well-known proverb as evidence
It introduces an opposing viewpoint about the necessity of taxonomy
What is the main claim of the author in the first paragraph of the passage?
Space exploration should be prioritized over studying life on Earth.
Taxonomy is being neglected despite its importance for understanding biological diversity.
The study of springtails and oribatid mites is not crucial for understanding ecosystems.
Biomedical studies have made more progress than taxonomy in recent decades.
Which piece of evidence does the author provide to support the claim that taxonomy is neglected?
There are too many experts in the field of taxonomy to keep up with new discoveries.
Only a few specialists in the United States can identify species like springtails and oribatid mites.
Museums and research collections are overfunded and staffed with too many biologists.
Biodiversity studies have already solved the problem of taxonomical neglect.
What claim does the author make regarding the impact of a neglected taxonomy field on other scientific disciplines?
Taxonomy is irrelevant to the future of biology.
The neglect of taxonomy hinders other fields like systematics, biogeography, and ecology.
Taxonomy should be abandoned in favor of more urgent research in space exploration.
The lack of biodiversity studies makes ecology irrelevant.
Which of the following is presented as evidence to support the claim that extinction can be slowed without significant cost to humanity?
The example of the Chinese proverb about wisdom and naming things correctly.
The success of biodiversity studies in preserving 'star' species like pandas and condors.
The examples of the rosy periwinkle and medicinal leech showing that conservation can benefit human welfare.
The ongoing destruction of tropical rainforests and its impact on species extinction.
What claim does the author make about the future of biology?
The study of taxonomy will become irrelevant as biodiversity studies dominate the field.
Biology’s future depends on strengthening taxonomy to improve classification and understanding of life.
Without more funding, taxonomy and biodiversity studies will never progress.
Biological research will suffer due to the destruction of tropical rainforests.
Which of the following best describes the claim made in the first paragraph?
The study of taxonomy is underfunded and neglected compared to other scientific fields.
Taxonomy is irrelevant to understanding life on Earth.
Space exploration and biomedical studies should receive less funding.
Springtails and oribatid mites are critical to scientific research.
In the second paragraph, the author claims that the neglect of taxonomy weakens other scientific disciplines. Which of the following provides evidence to support this claim?
Museums are understaffed, and fields like biogeography and ecology are hampered by insufficient expertise in taxonomy.
Springtails and oribatid mites are essential for understanding energy and materials cycles in ecosystems.
The decline of biodiversity studies has led to fewer experts in the field.
Biodiversity studies have made significant contributions to conservation efforts.
What is the claim in the paragraph that discusses biodiversity studies (third paragraph)?
Biodiversity studies are not useful for understanding biological diversity.
Biodiversity studies are both scientific and applied disciplines that offer important insights into the maintenance of diversity.
Biodiversity studies only emerged in the 1980s and are still developing.
The study of classification cannot be associated with biodiversity research.
Which evidence does the author provide to support the claim that extinction can be slowed without significant cost to humanity?
Conservation efforts for species like the giant panda and California condor have been successful in preserving biodiversity.
There is no evidence that human activity threatens the extinction of species.
The examples of the rosy periwinkle and medicinal leech demonstrate that conservation can promote human welfare.
Tropical rainforests are being destroyed at an accelerating rate, which makes extinction inevitable.
In the conclusion of the passage, the author argues that strengthening taxonomy is crucial for the future of biology. What evidence does the author use to support this claim?
The extinction of species like the giant panda and California condor is irreversible.
If organisms cannot be correctly identified, important research could be delayed indefinitely.
Biodiversity studies are already solving the problem of taxonomical neglect.
Museums and research collections are thriving due to increased funding for taxonomy.
What is the overarching thesis of the passage?
Taxonomy is a neglected scientific field that needs more funding to enhance biodiversity studies.
Biodiversity studies should focus more on "obscure" organisms such as mites and periwinkles.
The extinction of species can be halted without significant economic costs.
Human progress is dependent on the advancement of space exploration over biological sciences.
Which of the following best describes the line of reasoning in the second paragraph?
The author argues that neglecting taxonomy weakens several important biological fields such as systematics, biogeography, and ecology, thereby impeding scientific progress.
The author focuses on the positive developments in space exploration and biomedical studies as examples to show why taxonomy should remain underfunded.
The author explains how ecology and biogeography are thriving despite the lack of support for taxonomy.
The author describes how museums have effectively addressed the shortage of taxonomists in their exhibits and research.
How does the example of springtails and oribatid mites in the first paragraph support the author’s thesis?
It illustrates how the lack of experts in taxonomy limits the understanding of key organisms and their vital roles in ecological cycles.
It demonstrates that taxonomy has already received the appropriate amount of attention from researchers and needs no further funding.
It shows that biodiversity studies are only interested in "obscure" species rather than more well-known organisms.
In the final paragraph, the author argues that biodiversity studies should be expanded. What evidence does the author provide to support this claim?
The author provides examples of how biodiversity studies have improved the understanding of extinct species.
The author explains that human activities threaten a significant portion of global species and that extinction can be slowed with little economic cost, which justifies increased focus on biodiversity.
The author claims that the current state of biodiversity studies has led to significant economic progress and technological advancement.
The author argues that the government should allocate more funding to medical research instead of environmental science.
How does the author’s use of the examples of the rosy periwinkle and medicinal leech contribute to the argument?
These examples illustrate how conservation efforts can benefit both biodiversity and human welfare, supporting the argument for the necessity of biodiversity studies.
The examples suggest that extinction is inevitable and that conservation efforts should be abandoned.
The examples highlight how conservation efforts have failed to protect important species from extinction.
These examples are used to show that biodiversity studies have already made significant advancements in conservation.
How does the author establish a line of reasoning regarding the neglect of taxonomy in the first paragraph?
The author compares taxonomy to other fields such as space exploration and biomedical studies to illustrate the disparity in funding and attention.
The author describes the history of taxonomy to show how it was once a thriving field that has since become obsolete.
The author argues that all scientific fields, including taxonomy, are underfunded and neglected, leading to a general decline in scientific knowledge.
The author introduces the examples of springtails and mites to show the importance of taxonomy and to demonstrate how its decline hinders scientific progress.
Which piece of evidence does the author use to support the argument that taxonomy is essential for the future of biology?
The fact that museums are understaffed and lack biologists to develop research collections.
The observation that only a few specialists in the United States can identify certain organisms like springtails and oribatid mites.
The recognition that biodiversity studies have become increasingly important for protecting endangered species.
The comparison of taxonomy to other fields such as biomedical studies, which receive more funding.
How does the author’s mention of biodiversity studies in the third paragraph help to develop the overall argument?
It provides an example of how new disciplines can thrive even when older fields, like taxonomy, are neglected
It introduces a possible solution to the problem of underfunding and neglect of taxonomy, showing that biodiversity studies could help revive the field.
It highlights the dangers of overemphasizing one scientific discipline over others, such as taxonomy.
It argues that biodiversity studies have already solved the issues of extinction and conservation.
How does the author build their argument in the final paragraph regarding the importance of biodiversity studies and conservation efforts?
The author claims that extinction cannot be slowed and that conservation efforts have been ineffective.
The author states that biodiversity studies have no impact on human progress and should not be prioritized.
The author uses the examples of the rosy periwinkle and medicinal leech to argue that conservation can promote human welfare and should be prioritized.
The author argues that human activities are causing irreversible damage to biodiversity, and conservation is futile in the face of economic progress.
Which of the following best describes the overall structure of the author’s line of reasoning throughout the passage?
The author introduces a problem (the neglect of taxonomy), provides evidence to demonstrate its consequences, and then proposes a solution (revitalizing biodiversity studies).
The author discusses the benefits of space exploration and biomedical research, arguing that these fields should receive more attention than taxonomy.
The author presents the history of biodiversity studies and claims that the extinction of certain species is inevitable.
The author criticizes the overemphasis on economic progress at the cost of environmental and biological research.
How does the author’s use of the comparison “Like glass-blowing and harpsichord manufacture” contribute to the tone of the text?
It creates a sense of nostalgia for the past.
It emphasizes the unusual, specialized nature of taxonomy.
It introduces a humorous tone to the discussion of taxonomy.
It critiques the complexity of scientific fields like taxonomy.
Which of the following phrases helps establish a tone of urgency in the passage?
“a small number of unappreciated specialists”
“the extremely important discipline”
“to take one of hundreds of examples”
“some kinds of research may be held up indefinitely”
How does the author’s use of the phrase “Marvelously varied” to describe springtails and mites contribute to the overall tone of the passage?
It conveys admiration and respect for the complexity of these organisms.
It creates a lighthearted tone, making the topic seem less serious.
It emphasizes the scientific obscurity of these organisms.
It implies that these organisms are unimportant to the study of biodiversity.
How does the syntax of the sentence "Thus they help to drive the energy and materials cycles on which all life depends" impact the tone of the passage?
It creates a sense of awe and reverence for the ecological role of small organisms.
It adds a technical tone, highlighting the complexity of ecological systems.
It emphasizes the urgency of the research needed in taxonomy.
It contributes to a casual, informal tone by simplifying complex ideas.
What effect does the author’s choice of the word “hobbled” have on the tone of the passage?
It suggests that the fields of biogeography and ecology are thriving despite limited resources.
It conveys the idea that these fields are underdeveloped and constrained due to lack of support.
It portrays biogeography and ecology as burdensome, unimportant fields.
It emphasizes the necessity of these fields for future scientific breakthroughs.
How does the author’s use of contrasting examples of English (e.g., "standard English" vs. "family talk") contribute to the tone of the passage?
It highlights the author's frustration with her dual identity.
It emphasizes the emotional connection the author has with her native language.
It creates a humorous tone by showing the confusion caused by different Englishes.
It suggests that one form of English is superior to the other.
In the passage, how does the author’s use of informal syntax in the quote from her mother ("Du Yusong having business like fruit stand...") contribute to the tone?
It conveys a tone of academic authority and precision.
It creates a casual, conversational tone, emphasizing the familiarity of the situation.
It adds a tone of anger and frustration toward the gangster.
It highlights the author’s disapproval of her mother’s English.
What is the effect of the comparison between the author’s formal speech ("The intersection of memory upon imagination") and the informal English spoken with her mother ("Not waste money that way")?
It illustrates the author's embarrassment over her cultural background.
It contrasts the complexity of academic English with the simplicity of everyday language.
It emphasizes how difficult it is for the author to switch between dialects.
It underscores the author's dislike for the English used in her family.
How does the author’s description of her mother’s command of English ("expressive command of English belies how much she actually understands") affect the tone of the passage?
A) It adds a tone of skepticism and doubt about the mother's linguistic abilities.
B) It creates a tone of admiration for the mother's proficiency despite her accent.
C) It suggests a tone of condescension toward her mother's version of English.
D) It emphasizes the author's pride in her mother's ability to communicate despite language barriers.
In the passage, how does the author’s choice of words like "vivid," "direct," and "full of observation and imagery" to describe her mother’s English contribute to the tone of the passage?
It conveys a tone of critical analysis, suggesting that the mother's English is flawed.
It reflects a tone of nostalgia and affection, showing the deep connection between the author and her mother’s language.
It introduces a tone of indifference, implying that the mother’s language is unimportant.
It implies a tone of frustration, as if the author is struggling to communicate with her mother.
What is the overarching thesis of the passage?
The author argues that language is a tool for academic expression, but not for personal relationships.
The author reflects on how language and the different forms of English she uses shape her identity and relationships.
The author emphasizes the difficulties of learning multiple languages.
Which part of the text primarily serves as an example to support the author's thesis about the emotional connection to language?
The description of the author's formal speech during the talk.
The anecdote about the author's mother speaking English during a conversation.
The author's explanation of her ability to speak different forms of English.
The passage where the author discusses the English she uses with her husband.
How does the structure of the passage support the author's argument about the different Englishes she uses?
The passage follows a chronological structure, beginning with the author's early life and ending with her reflection on language use.
The passage is structured around the author's personal experiences with language in public and private settings, which demonstrate the contrast between formal and familial language.
The passage starts with a broad statement on language and quickly moves into a statistical analysis of English language use.
The passage compares the author's English with those of famous authors to argue the superiority of her linguistic style.
What structural shift occurs when the author quotes her mother’s speech about the gangster in Shanghai?
A) The shift marks a change in tone from scholarly to humorous.
B) The shift illustrates a transition from the author's personal experiences to a broader reflection on language in the Chinese community.
C) The shift shows the author's frustration with her mother's use of English.
D) The shift demonstrates the difference between written and spoken English.
How does the structure of the passage help emphasize the author's view of her mother's English?
A) The passage describes the mother’s English through a combination of humorous anecdotes and formal analysis.
B) The passage presents the mother’s English as a barrier to effective communication, leading to a negative portrayal of her speech.
C) The passage contrasts the author's academic English with her mother’s English, which is shown to be vivid, direct, and emotionally resonant.
D) The passage uses a series of unrelated stories to distract from the central point about language use.
What is the main thesis of the text?
A) The author believes that English is a flexible language that changes depending on the audience.
B) The author’s writing is deeply influenced by the various forms of English they have encountered in life.
C) The author feels disconnected from the English language, especially when speaking with their mother.
D) The author’s experiences with language have made them realize that language is a tool for deception.
Which of the following best represents how the author structures their argument?
A) The author introduces the topic of language, discusses personal anecdotes, and concludes by emphasizing the significance of language in shaping identity.
B) The author starts with a definition of language, moves to a historical overview, and ends by discussing the impact of language on societal norms.
C) The author provides a philosophical exploration of language, supported by references to literature and research studies.
D) The author presents a list of different languages they know, followed by a critique of the way English is taught in schools.
In the introduction, the author mentions their “fascination” with language. What is the purpose of this statement?
A) To explain why the author is qualified to discuss language.
B) To introduce the idea that language has multiple forms and impacts both the individual and society.
C) To suggest that language is a tool that can be used to manipulate others.
D) To criticize the way language is taught in schools.
How does the author’s discussion of speaking with their mother contribute to the argument?
A) It shows how different forms of English can be used to bridge generational gaps.
B) It highlights the emotional distance between the author and their mother.
C) It illustrates how the author uses language differently depending on context and audience.
D) It focuses on the negative consequences of speaking in a nonstandard dialect.
What does the author imply by describing their mother’s English as “vivid, direct, full of observation and imagery”?
A) The author feels embarrassed by the way their mother speaks English.
B) The author appreciates the unique and rich nature of the language their mother uses.
C) The author is critical of the simplicity of their mother’s English.
D) The author believes their mother’s English is unintelligible to others.
How does the author organize the text to establish a central theme about language?
A) By contrasting the different Englishes used in various contexts
B) By focusing on the formal language of academic writing
C) By analyzing the impact of education on language use
D) By providing historical examples of language use in her family
Which organizational strategy does the author use to enhance the coherence of her argument about language?
A) A chronological recounting of her experiences with different Englishes
B) A comparison between her writing style and that of other authors
C) A logical analysis of how language affects communication
D) A direct contrast between written and spoken English in different contexts
How does the structure of the text reflect the author's line of reasoning about the impact of language on personal identity?
A) The author describes specific language examples from childhood to adulthood to show how language evolves with age
B) The author juxtaposes her mother's language with formal English to show the distinction between academic and familial communication
C) The author gives a series of definitions to explain the different kinds of Englishes used
A) The author lists academic theories about language and then explains how they apply to her life
In the second paragraph, the author reveals the difference between the English used with her mother and the formal English used in a speech. How does this contribute to the overall organization and coherence of the text?
A) It introduces a conflict between two languages, which the author later resolves through reflection.
B) It shows the struggle of the author to balance her identity as both a writer and a daughter.
C) It demonstrates how English can be used to manipulate an audience.
D) It marks the transition from formal writing to an informal conversational tone.
What role does the quotation from the author's mother play in the organization of the text?
A) It provides a contrast to the academic English used by the author in speeches
B) It illustrates the author's mother's fluency in different Englishes
C) It offers an example of how language can obscure meaning for outsiders
D) It supports the argument that language is a tool for emotional expression
How does the author primarily develop the idea that language is shaped by personal experiences and relationships?
A) By comparing different types of English used in various social contexts
B) By defining technical terms related to language
C) By using a chronological approach to describe her writing process
D) By explaining the structure of her talk in relation to audience expectations
In the excerpt, the author develops her argument about the power of language using which of the following methods?
A) Contrasting the formal English used in public speaking with the informal English used with her mother
B) Citing studies on language acquisition
C) Analyzing the grammatical structure of English
D) Quoting historical figures who discussed language
How does the inclusion of the quote from the author’s mother contribute to the development of the author’s argument?
A) It provides a personal example of the complexities of bilingualism.
B) It highlights the difficulties of learning English as a second language.
C) It demonstrates the emotional connection the author has with her mother’s language.
D) It contrasts formal and informal English in a humorous way.
What purpose does the anecdote about the "political gangster in Shanghai" serve in the context of the author’s argument?
A) It illustrates the difficulty in understanding culturally specific phrases in English.
B) It highlights the influence of family and cultural history on language.
C) It contrasts formal English with colloquial English.
D) It provides a critique of economic class differences in language usage.
How does the author develop the idea that her mother’s English is uniquely vivid and natural for her?
A) By explaining how her mother learned English through formal education
B) By comparing the clarity of her mother’s English to that of native English speakers
C) By describing her own emotional connection to the way her mother speaks
D) By analyzing how others misunderstand her mother’s English
Which of the following transitional elements helps the author shift from discussing the formal English used in public speaking to the informal English used with her mother?
A) "Just last week"
B) "For example"
C) "And then"
D) "So"
The phrase “And then I realized why” functions as a transitional element to:
A) introduce a new topic of discussion.
B) explain a realization that links the previous and current ideas.
C) provide an example of language use.
D) state a counterargument.
Which transitional phrase does the author use to signal a shift in focus from her personal experience with language to an example of her mother’s speech?
A) "For example"
B) "Later"
C) "Here's what she said"
D) "In other words"
The transition “You should know that” is used to:
A) provide additional information that deepens the reader's understanding of the author’s mother’s language.
B) offer a contrasting viewpoint to the one the author has been discussing.
C) introduce a new section on the author's educational background.
D) describe the difficulty of learning new languages.
The transition “So” at the beginning of a paragraph signals the author’s intent to:
A) conclude her argument by summarizing the main points.
B) provide an example of how the language she uses with her mother shapes her identity.
C) explain a cause-and-effect relationship.
D) restate her thesis.
Which method of development does the author primarily use to support her argument about the different "Englishes" she uses in different contexts?
A) Cause and effect
B) Definition
C) Narration
D) Comparison and contrast
How does the author develop her argument about language's power to shape perception in the second paragraph of the text?
A) By using statistics
B) By providing a personal anecdote
C) By presenting a historical overview
D) By referring to expert opinions
What is the function of the quotation from the author's mother in the third paragraph?
A) To illustrate the author's own discomfort with different Englishes
B) To provide evidence of the author's mother’s command of the English language
C) To show the cultural and linguistic differences between the author and her mother
D) To compare the language used in professional versus familial contexts
1. How does the author use transitional elements to help the reader follow her argument about language and identity?
A) By introducing new topics with complex explanations
B) By switching between formal and informal tones without notice
C) By moving from personal anecdotes to more abstract generalizations
D) By listing specific statistics that support her argument
What purpose does the author’s reference to her friends' varying levels of understanding her mother's English serve in the text?
A) To criticize her friends for their inability to understand non-standard English
B) To provide a humorous contrast between different English dialects
C) To emphasize the subjective nature of language comprehension
D) To offer a definition of what "clear" English means
FRQ: Argument Practice Prompts
Note: For the Q2 exam, students will be asked to write two full paragraphs: one introductory paragraph and one fully developed body paragraph.
Conformity
To conform means to follow the standards and expectations of a group. We often conform because we want to be accepted by the people or organizations that are important to us and avoid the pain of rejection and isolation. However, some claim that the cost of conforming—abandoning one's individuality or principles—is not worth the benefits that come with fitting in.
Consider what you know about conformity from your reading, experience, and observations. Write an essay that argues your position on whether, or under what conditions, a person should conform.
In your response, you should do the following:
● Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
● Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
● Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
● Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Success
In America, people often look to Ben Franklin as a pillar of success. Known for his work as a politician, inventor, and ambassador, Franklin is praised in history books for achieving these titles through hard work alone. However, in his 2008 book, Outliers: The Story of Success, Canadian journalist Malcolm Gladwell rejects this vision of success, saying such “explanations of success don't work. People don't rise from nothing.” Gladwell asserts that, instead, successful people “are invariably the beneficiaries of hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities.”
Write an essay that argues your position on the degree to which a person's success can be attributed to hard work or luck.
In your response you should do the following:
● Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
● Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
● Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
● Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Voting Age
In 2019, ahead of debate in the House of Representatives on the For The People Act—legislation intended to make voting more accessible, fair, and democratic—Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley introduced an amendment:
Across this nation, young people are leading the way – from gun violence, to climate change, to the future of work – they are organizing, mobilizing, and calling us to action. My amendment to H.R. 1, the For The People Act, will strengthen the promise of our nation's democracy. I am proud to propose an amendment that will lower the mandatory minimum voting age from 18-years-old to 16-years-old for federal elections, giving young people the power to elect members of Congress and the President of the United States.
Write an essay that argues your position on lowering the federal voting age to 16.
In your response you should do the following:
● Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
● Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
● Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
● Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Education
Ralph Waldo Emerson, celebrated as one of the most influential thinkers of his time, was also a teacher from 1821 to 1826. Much like today, one of the questions of Emerson's time was what role the teacher should play in a student's education. In his essay, “Education,” Emerson famously wrote that teachers should resist their desire “to violate [the student's] individuality, to warp his ways of thinking and behavior to resemble or reflect [the teacher's] thinking and behavior.” He believed it was important to “respect the child” while also helping him “secure the essentials” so that his genius could grow. More importantly, he cautioned against the urge to “sacrifice the genius of the pupil, the unknown possibilities of his nature, to a neat and safe uniformity.”
However, today many critics feel that modern education focuses on the “neat and safe uniformity” he cautioned against. They feel education has become too concerned with providing a standardized education, which often results in the same lesson being taught to all students at the same time, rather than allowing students time to pursue their own genius. Given the crucial role of education in today's society, is there still a place for individualized education?
Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which it is possible for modern education to achieve the balance Emerson promotes.
In your response you should do the following:
● Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
● Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
● Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
● Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Shame
According to evolutionary psychologist Daniel Sznycer, shame may be an unpleasant feeling for an individual, but that is precisely why it has played a vital role in the development of human society. According to Sznycer, “The function of pain is to prevent us from damaging our own tissue. The function of shame is to prevent us from damaging our social relationships, or to motivate us to repair them.”
Consider the value Sznycer places on shame. Write an essay that develops your own position on the value or function of shame in a culture or community with which you are familiar.
In your response you should do the following:
● Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
● Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning.
● Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
● Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
Argument Skill-builder: Quitting
“You should never quit anything ever. Quitters will always regret giving up.”
“For some people, there comes a point when quitting is the best option to move forward in life.”
Consider these two statements about quitting. Based on your knowledge and experience, decide which position most closely aligns with your view. Then write a paragraph explaining and supporting your position on quitting.
In your response, you should do the following:
● Identify an example from your own experiences or your knowledge of the world to support your view on quitting.
● Write an introduction with a thesis that makes a defensible claim.
● Provide evidence to develop one paragraph of support for your line of reasoning.
● Explain the relationship between your evidence and your thesis.
