APPLYING YOUR SKILLS: ADDITIONAL ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS

Using what you learned about illustration in this chapter, write an illustration essay on one of the topics below. Depending on the topic you choose, you may need to conduct library or Internet research. (For more on locating and documenting sources, see Chapters 22, 23, and 24.)

TO EXPRESS YOUR IDEAS

  1. In an article for the campus newspaper, explain what you consider to be the three most important qualities of a college instructor. Support your opinion with vivid examples from your experience.
  2. Explain to a general audience the role played by grandparents within a family, citing examples from your own family or other families you know well.

TO INFORM YOUR READER

  1. In “Rambos of the Road” Martin Gottfried explains the concept of “auto macho,” also known as “road rage,” using examples from his own experience. Explain the concept of peer pressure, using examples from your experience.
  2. Describe to an audience of college students the qualities or achievements you think should be emphasized during job interviews. Give examples that show why the qualities or achievements you choose are important to potential employers.

TO PERSUADE YOUR READER

  1. Argue for or against an increased emphasis on physical education in public schools. Your audience is your local school committee.
  2. In a letter to the editor of a local newspaper, argue for or against the establishment of a neighborhood watch group.

CASES USING ILLUSTRATION

  1. Prepare the oral presentation you will give to your local town board to convince board members to lower the speed limit on your street. Use examples as well as other types of evidence.
  2. Write a letter to the parents of three-year-old children who will begin attending your day care center this year, explaining how they can prepare their children for the day care experience. Support your advice with brief but relevant examples.

Synthesizing Ideas

Civility

Both “American Jerk: Be Civil, or I’ll Beat You to a Pulp” and “Rambos of the Road” deal with bad behavior and incivility.

Analyze the Readings

  1. What types of behaviors does each reading address? Compare the authors’ attitudes toward these behaviors.
  2. Write a journal entry comparing the techniques that each author uses to support his thesis, especially considering the tone of each. Which is more effective? Explain your choice.

Essay Idea

Choose a public setting or forum in which selfish behavior and a lack of civility are evident to you. Write an essay illustrating the behavior.