Last Writing Assignment Preview

Lots of choices..... You will choose one topic from this list.

Learning Intentions: 

·         Demonstrate the writing process (primarily in class)

·         Create a multi-paragraph composition

·         with references (CONNECTIONS)  to 2 or more of our resources from this semester

The movie, The Dead Poet’s Society, and the novel, Stargirl, explore a variety of themes. 

1.    Learning may happen in a variety of ways.  Consider the questions in DPS on the role, purpose and structure of schools presented through the contrasts of a more formal, structured delivery of curriculum at a boy’s prep school and Mr. Keating’s more unusual teaching methods.  Consider also the life lessons learned beyond the classroom through the social culture at MAHS and from Archie.  Choose a or b below for your writing topic.

a)    In your essay, discuss the role of education in today’s society (What does society expect of a public education system?  What function does society want it to serve? Why?) and compare the different models presented.  Discuss how Fraser Heights fits in with these models and which you prefer and why.

b)    There were several teachers in this semester’s literature choices – create and describe your ideal teacher with references to 2-3 of the teacher characters in our literature and 1 teacher from your past / present.  Focus on how they teach and how it helps or would help you to learn better or to grow into a better person.  (Focus on the positive characteristics for this one and acknowledgement of / connections to your learning style.  Do not focus on the minutia – eg.  “My ideal teacher would never give homework,....”)

2.     The relationship between teachers (mentor-figures: coaches, role- models, peer mentors/idols,…) and their students has a great influence on a young person’s growth and education.  DPS and Stargirl pose the questions - how close should students and teachers become and what is the effect on the education of the student?  (*Reminder - For this paper we are not discussing any legally inappropriate relationships (beyond those in our literature / movie. *)

Argue one side of this debate – either…

a)     The benefits of strong student-teacher relationships enhance the educational experience of students.

or

b)    Strong student-teacher relationships are unnecessary for (or hinder) the educational experience of students.

Hint:  If you are writing a 5 paragraph essay your first body paragraphs should state your position and your third body paragraph refutes potential opposing arguments.

3.     Several of our references also examined the relationship between parents and children and the role communication plays in developing that relationship.   Communication is the responsibility of all involved.   Suggest alternative communication strategies or alternative decisions made by specific characters in specific moments and how they might have affected the outcome or subsequent events in their stories.

4.     What are the benefits and downfalls of nonconformity? Use examples from our references and your own life to answer this question.

5.    Several of our references emphasise the interconnectedness of everyone.  Individually we are influenced by other individuals and the societies we live in (remember time / place).  Support or refute the following:

Individuals have responsibilities within a society (time / place are important here – a family, team, or country can all be considered societies) and the best way to support a civil and productive society is to fulfill those responsibilities by conforming to social norms (expectations placed upon us by that society). 

6.    Friends should be positive forces in your life; however, friendships can be both supportive and destructive.  Examine the role of friendships in the references we have used this semester.  Discuss the characteristics of the positive influences and the negative ones.

7.    Society does not accept people or ideas that are socially different.  Agree or disagree

8.     Some of the characters we have read about this semester are different than society expects.  Some of our stories have suggested it is better to be different, and true to yourself, than to try to be like everyone else.  Yet some of these characters experienced hurt and disappointment.  Which is better?  Explain.

9.    Being a friend is hard work.  Leo Borlock is your average teenager. There is nothing exceptional about him. Only when he begins to spend a lot of time with Stargirl does he realize how painful life can be when others view you as different.  Leo must choose between being accepted by his peers or continuing a friendship with someone whose "differences" set him apart also.

Argue that being friends with someone "different"--like Stargirl—while difficult, is worth it.  (You may also wish to adjust this topic to include other character references – Peter Brownrigg, Neal and his group of eclectic friends, Hermia and Helena, someone from your own life experiences.)

10.  “Ideas confine a man to certain social groups and social groups confine a man to certain ideas.” -- Josephine Klein

Explain the meaning of this quote and support or refute its opinion.

(Hint:  setting – time / place, define your social group.)