Outcomes we are working on in this essay:
support a thesis using credible and adequate source material;
engage in a dialogue with a text, integrating their own ideas with those of others;
construct a logical, well-supported argument;
consider multiple viewpoints in their writing, acknowledging different ways of looking at things.
demonstrate an understanding of audience and purpose, including but not limited to the development of academic tone;
quote, paraphrase, and summarize a text.
For this essay, imagine that a high school student has asked you for advice on whether to go to a community college or a four-year school or not go to college at all. Then write a letter in which you address that student and give them advice on how to make decisions on what to do after high school. If you know someone in high school write now, you can address that person. You can make up a person to write to, or you can write to high school students generally.
Address these questions in your letter: What are the benefits and/or drawbacks of four-year schools and community colleges? What advice would you give?
Your essay MUST use one or both of our readings on college: Ben Casselmans Shut Up About Harvard and/or Liz Addisons Two Years Are Better Than Four. Make sure to devote a full paragraph to summarizing at least one of these essays and use at least one quotation from the essay. Respond to the essay as well: do you agree with it, disagree, or some combination?
