English 111 Writing Sample

 Time Limit: 40 mins.

 

Directions: Choose one of the following topics and write an essay of 500-800 words.

 

  1. If you were able to vote in the 2008 US presidential election today (regardless of whether your age or other eligibility requirement), which of the two main candidates, John McCain or Barack Obama, would you vote for? Explain your reasons with examples and details as appropriate.

 

  1. If you prefer a different presidential candidate from McCain or Obama—say, Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, etc., or a third party candidate—explain why with supporting explanations, including relevant examples and details. Whether you are old enough or otherwise ineligible to vote is irrelevant in this case.

 

  1. If you are an American citizen and plan not to vote in the presidential election, explain why, fully and specifically.

 

  1. If you think exercising the right to vote is important, what would you say to someone who plans not to vote in the presidential election? Explain fully and specifically.

 

  1. If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and have no opinion regarding the presidential election, write your essay on a prominent national leader in your own country, either one you support or one you do not support.

 

Evaluation: The criteria for evaluating the essay (which will not be graded in this case) include the following:

 

1.    A clear sense of structure, including introduction, body, and conclusion, with a thesis stated either as part of the introduction (an outline is recommended, but not required).

 

2.    Unity, coherence, and appropriate emphasis in sentences, paragraphs, and the whole essay.

 

3.    Meaningful depth of content and adequate development of body paragraphs, as well as logical consistency and validity of assumptions.

 

4.    Evidence of an understanding of the rudiments of English grammar and the conventions of sentence structure and punctuation.

 

5.   Evidence of editing to eliminate distracting surface features such as faulty spelling, mechanics, and punctuation.

 

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