Intensive+Writing+Number+Two

Intensive Writing #2 Name __________________


 * 25 points** Period ______


 * Read the Instructions!!!!**


 * Here's the second writing opportunity! This is going to start to feel familiar.
 * You will turn in a reduced outline, followed by a short essay. Spend 10 – 15 minutes planning.


 * **15 points** - Write a reduced outline at the top of the page, followed by your essay. Your restricted outline will include :

(Copy this bullet point format onto your paper)
 * Thesis
 * 1st argument in support of thesis
 * __at least__ one example to support this argument
 * 2nd argument in support of thesis
 * __at least__ one example to support this argument


 * **10 points** – Write an essay based on one of the topics you'll find on the back of this page.


 * Choose a topic on the back of this sheet. Narrow the topic to **a small part** of the big idea.
 * You will not have time to write a rough draft, but you do have time to plan your examples and what order to put them in to be most effective. It is a good idea to use **at least 10 minutes to plan**! Don't start the essay until you know what you're going to say!


 * Write an informal essay which **includes the following**:
 * an introduction – __**a clear thesis is sufficient**__ **for your introduction**
 * Arguments and explanations to support your thesis
 * from your life
 * from literature
 * from what you know of the world around you
 * a concluding paragraph
 * return to your thesis
 * ideally, expand on your thesis beyond the scope of the essay, if you have time
 * This is an informal essay. You may use I, me, etc. However, these should be related to your personal examples. Your writing should be strong. Leave out “In my opinion,” “I think that,” and other similar weak phrases. The whole essay is your opinion. **Write boldly!**
 * Try to write at least four paragraphs (intro, two body, conclusion).
 * Print out and turn in what you've written at the end of class. **It's okay** if the essay isn't quite finished; just turn in what you've done.

Topics:
 * 1) **Should everyone have access to all knowledge**? Are there things no one should know? What are the limits? (Imagine what's on the internet: how to build a bomb that will fit in a suitcase, how to kill someone and never get caught, how to extract a rotten tooth without any training, etc., etc.) **Choose one area of knowledge** and develop your thesis around that. //All knowledge// is too broad!


 * 1) **Is our compassion toward others based on what we know** (or what we think we know) about the other person? What are the effects of these attitudes in our wider society?


 * 1) **Are advances in technology improving our lives?** Consider one aspect of technology and whether or not it should be considered an improvement or how we should adapt to its use.


 * 1) **How would you change our school system to ensure that future citizens are both good and wise?** You may consider any kind of change at all.


 * 1) **Why is it that some people who have very valuable knowledge do not want to share it?** (Keep in mind both the person who knows how to do something dangerous and the person who feels special because of that knowledge.) Use concrete examples.


 * 1) **Are our institutions serving us as they should?** Choose one institution in our society, explain its flaws, and describe what would improve it.