Prompt 16
Writing Background
A recent survey of four hundred students in grades five through nine revealed that up to 67 % of the students admitted cheating on schoolwork at some time. The reasons given for the cheating ranged from "I wanted a good grade" to "It's a game and when the teachers are not looking, it's their fault." Other surveys suggest that cheating is fairly common at most levels in school.
Writing Situation
Review your own observations and experiences regarding cheating in school. Using your own knowledge and experience as a student, assume that you are writing to beginning teachers to assist them in understanding why some students may cheat in their classes. Provide your audience with advice on how best to avoid cheating in their classes as well as advice on how to handle cheating if it does occur. Wherever appropriate in your discussion, include examples to illustrate the points you wish to make.
Prompt 17
Writing Background
In the 1980's, researchers Myra and David Sadken of American University focused on the differences in performance between girls and boys in school. Some of their research suggests that at every level in school, male students get more attention than female students and have greater numbers of intellectual exchanges with teachers. Overall, their research indicates that teachers seem to direct more substantial responses toward boys and will work harder to lead a male student from an inadequate response to a better one (Harvard Education Letter, 9/87).
Writing Situation
As you reflect on your schooling, including college, what evidence can you provide to either support or refute the Sadkens' findings? Assume that you are directing your response to teachers in an effort to assist them in making education more equal for males and females. Write an essay to assist educators in making academic opportunities equal. Discuss whether or not this inequality in education is still apparent in the 21st century and what the implications are in your classroom.
Prompt 18
Writing Background
Your local public library has come under criticism for allowing people under the age of 18 to check out books that are unacceptable. The books are either explicit, describe graphic violence, or use language that is against community standards. As a result, the council is considering removing all questionable books from the library.
Writing Situation
In a well organized essay discuss your feelings on the specific situation and your views in general about banning books. Clearly state your position and support it with convincing reasons and concrete examples.
Prompt 19
Writing Background
A litter problem has developed on your school's campus. Students are throwing trash on the ground, leaving empty cans and bottles outside on benches, and dropping napkins and other trash on the cafeteria floor rather than carrying them to the trashcan. Your principal has asked students to take more care, but the litter problem persists. The principal has reacted by threatening to cancel all after-school activities until the problem is taken care of.
Writing Situation
The principal has asked for feedback from you, as a teacher, on this issue. In a well organized essay respond to the principal's proposed plan of action, giving specific reasons why you agree or disagree and propose other possible paths to help eradicate the litter problem in your school.
Prompts 1-5 Prompts 6-10 Prompts 11-15 Prompts 16-19
Abstracts and Proposals