Suggestions for Writing

1. In paragraph 12, Emerson makes the following assertion about education in his time: “Our modes of Education aim to expedite, to save labor; to do for masses what cannot be done for masses, what must be done reverently, one by one: say rather, the whole world is needed for the tuition of each pupil.” What does he mean? (You might have to look up the meaning of tuition in this context.) Do you think that public education today still resembles Emerson’s description? Explain.

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Suggestions for Writing: In paragraph 12, Emerson makes the following assertion about education in his time: “Our modes of Education aim to expedite, to save labor; to do for masses what cannot be done for masses, what must be done reverently, one by one: say rather, the whole world is needed for the tuition of each pupil.” What does he mean? (You might have to look up the meaning of tuition in this context.) Do you think that public education today still resembles Emerson’s description? Explain.
2. If you were responsible for the education of a child, which of Emerson’s assertions about education would you choose as your guiding principle? Write an essay explaining why you would choose that principle over another of Emerson’s beliefs.

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Suggestions for Writing: If you were responsible for the education of a child, which of Emerson’s assertions about education would you choose as your guiding principle? Write an essay explaining why you would choose that principle over another of Emerson’s beliefs.
3. Explain why you agree or disagree with Emerson’s assertion that “every young man [and woman] is born with some determination in his [or her] nature, and is a potential genius” (para. 10).

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Suggestions for Writing: Explain why you agree or disagree with Emerson’s assertion that “every young man [and woman] is born with some determination in his [or her] nature, and is a potential genius” (para. 10).
4. Write a response to Emerson in the voice of Francine Prose, explaining why you agree or disagree with the issues he raises and the positions he takes.

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Suggestions for Writing: Write a response to Emerson in the voice of Francine Prose, explaining why you agree or disagree with the issues he raises and the positions he takes.
5. Evaluate your own schooling according to the criteria presented in paragraph 10.

   Chapter 5 - from Education - Suggestions for Writing: Evaluate your own schooling according to the criteria presented in paragraph 10.