Page 502 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Argument Essay 3: At Liberty
What is the most important freedom you have? Why is it important to

you? Some of the freedoms that people in the United States take for

granted are freedom to practice the religion of their choice; freedom to

speak their mind, even against their government; freedom to move

from place to place; and freedom to pursue any career they wish.

Discuss in your essay one of these freedoms or any other that you
value.

Essay-Based Topic: Living in the Past

Look at Liz Pulliam Weston’s essay on pages 205–208 of this chapter.

She argues that budgeting as if it were the 1970s can be financially

beneficial. Would changing our lifestyle to that of an earlier era be
beneficial in other ways, too? Write an essay in which you argue that

living as if it were the 1970s (or any decade of your choice) would be

beneficial, or, alternatively, argue that it would be harmful. Think of

specific examples that help your argument and use them as support.

Real-World Argument: The Next Step Up

You are one of several paraprofessional teacher’s aides in an

elementary school. You have the opportunity to apply for a full

scholarship to a college of education to become a teacher. (Feel free

to alter the occupation, but make sure that the scholarship provides a
step up in the profession—licensed practical nurse to registered

nurse, and so on.) You must write a letter to the scholarship

committee detailing your experience and accomplishments as a

teacher’s aide as well as other experiences with children in the

community (scout leader, coach, and so on). You are being judged on