Diagnostic Essay
- Read through the prompts below and choose the one that you feel you can argue most passionately and efficiently.
- You may only choose one prompt.
- Before you begin writing, you should prewrite: Brainstorm, freewrite, list, chart, outline, map/web or somehow organize your thoughts.
- Write an essay of 2.5 to 3 pages (including a strong main point/thesis that you prove with specific examples and convincing evidence). This should be in MLA format (typed, double-spaced, 1" margins all around, Times New Roman 12 point font).
- You should have a min. of 5 well-developed paragraphs.
- Include an introduction and a conclusion, plus several organized supporting paragraphs (or more) with transitions to connect your thoughts and ideas.
- Underline your thesis in the intro and in the conclusion.
- Audience: Imagine that you are writing for a formal, academic audience. Take into consideration how that will affect the voice, tone, and diction of the piece.
- PROOFREAD before turning in your paper.
To submit: log into Ulearn, click "Submit Essays/Assignments" from the menu in the gray-shaded area at the left of the screen and then click "Diagnostic Essay."
Be sure you use Mozilla Firefox as your browser and upload Microsoft Word files only.
Choose ONE of the following prompts:
1. Libuse Binder argues, “At the core of any good dialogue is not the ability to talk louder than another person but rather the ability to listen calmly to diverse perspectives. You can always learn more by listening to other points of view, especially those you disagree with. Spend as much time as possible listening to what other people have to say, even when you are sure of your position. Understanding and appreciating others' positions is the first step in persuading people to accept yours.”
Do you feel listening is more important than speaking when you are trying to persuade others? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
2. We are often told to "put on a brave face” or to be strong. To do this, we often have to hide, or at least minimize, whatever fears, flaws, and vulnerabilities we possess. However, such an emphasis on strength is misguided. What truly takes courage is to show our imperfections, not to show our strengths, because it is only when we are able to show vulnerability—or the capacity to be hurt—that we are genuinely able to connect with other people.
Is it more courageous to show vulnerability than it is to show strength? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
3. Many thoughtful people have said that cooperation brings out the best in people and leads to success in almost all endeavors. There is a limit, however, to the value of cooperative behavior, since such behavior may suppress people’s willingness to be creative and to stand out from the crowd. Too often, cooperating means going along with the group even if that is
not necessarily the best way.
Does working with others lead to better results than acting as an individual?
Plan and write an essay in which you develop your
point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or
observations
Final Draft, evaluated on the following criteria:
Total Possible Points: 20/
Focus (5 points): Does essay have a clear purpose? Focus on a main idea and clearly identifiable thesis? Are reader’s expectations set and then met? Ideas, examples, and reasons developed in the body of the paper are clearly related to the main focus?
Development (5 points): Are supporting examples, showing details, and data rich and relevant to the main idea? Are the writer’s assertions immediately followed by supporting evidence? Appropriate research supports the writer’s main idea or thesis? The writer shows how or why evidence is relevant to main idea or claim?
Organization (5 points): Do ideas and paragraphs proceed in logical and apparent sequence or pattern? Does writer use sufficient audience cues to let the reader know what has been discussed, what is being discussed, or what will be discussed? Does writer use attention-getting title and lead-in, essay map, summary and forecasting statements, paragraph hooks, transitional words and phrases? Do effective conclusions guide the reader from beginning to end?
Style (3 points): Is language clear direct and readable? Are sentences clear, concise, and easily read by intended audience? Is word choice appropriate for audience? Do sentences reveal and sustain appropriate voice and tone?
Mechanics (2 points): Are there obvious errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar? Are there patterns of error?
Grading scale:
A 18-20
B 16-17
C 14-15
D 12-13
F 0-11
