Writing - Major Assignments

Here are a few of the major writing assignments that I have developed and used in my classes.

1. (Beginning Writing) List-Order Paragraph Assignment: Describe the characteristics or abilities needed for the job you would like to have in the future.

• Assignment Description (pdf) - worksheet includes prompt, sample paragraph, brainstorming, outlining, and timeline for the project

2. (Advanced Writing) Cause/Effect Essay: Describe the positive and negative effects of the strategies used by Walmart and other large retailers.

• Assignment Description (pdf) - worksheet includes brainstorming activities, prompt, outline, a list of sources, and guidelines to using outside sources. In addition, I supplied them with handouts and worksheets to help them with incorporating paraphrases and direct quotes.

3. (Advanced Writing) Argument Essay: This assignment asks students to argue whether a developing country should invest in nuclear power, healthcare, or education.

• Assignment Description (pdf) - worksheet includes background information on a fictitious country, the essay prompt, and guidelines in forming main arguments, opposing viewpoints, and rebuttals. Below is a sample of supplemental material and activities we did to help us write these essays.
• Supplemental: Video Discussion Worksheet (pdf) - worksheet walks students through some videos, as well as language keys like summary reminders, grammar (conditionals), to prepare them for the essay.
• Supplemental: Quotes on Education (pdf) - provides them with some sources to use in their essays, or just paraphrasing and quoting in class.
• Supplemental: Quotes on Nuclear Power (pdf) - provides them with some sources to use in their essays, or just paraphrasing and quoting in class.