Page 474 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

car air conditioner iPod

From this list or from your own experience, choose three items that

you would classify as necessities. These should be technology-based

items that were not available in an earlier era. Write an essay showing

why these items are necessities in your life. In other words, show the

effects that these items have on your everyday life that make you

consider them necessary.

Real-World Cause-Effect: Ending Unprofessional Conduct

You are the manager of a resort hotel, part of a large chain. Recently,

in a guest poll covering the entire chain, your hotel was cited among

the rudest. Guests reported desk clerks hanging up on them,
screaming matches between employees in the hall, and housekeeping

employees who rudely shoved towels at them and stalked off down

the hall. The hotel chain regards this very seriously, and though no

one has said so, you feel your job may be on the line. Your supervisor

has asked you to write an action plan that will turn your employees
from surly to polite and improve your hotel’s image. The action plan is

to be very specific, with each action described in detail along with its

expected result. For instance, if you say that you plan to train

employees, describe specifically what you plan—role-playing games

in which employees act out handling problems with customers,
punitive actions or conferences with problem employees, or whatever

—and then describe the expected result and why you think it will work.

The more specific and detailed your plan is, the safer your job will

likely be.