Directions:

Choose one of the writing prompts below and write a response.  You may use the available time at your discretion to plan, pre-write, and write the essay prior to submitting the final draft.  Upon completion of the essay, press the submit button at the top of the page and wait for the verification page to appear.

Timing:

Planning and writing of the essay must be completed in the 40-minute time frame allowed.

Evaluation:

Essays will be evaluated on Focus, Development, Organization, Fluency, and Conventions.

Placement:

Student placement into a composition course will occur after the writing sample is evaluated  (usually within 24-28 hours).

Prompt 1:

Some say that the best preparation to be an effective student is learning to work with others and be cooperative.  Others say it is better to learn how to work by yourself and be competitive. Which approach do you think is best: cooperative; competitive; a little bit of both?  Write an essay in which you take a position on this issue, supporting your position with reasons and examples from your own experiences, observations, or reading.

Prompt 2:

Many adults become upset when young people break with the traditions of the past.  Do you think that these adults are justified in reacting this way? Why or why not? Support your position with evidence from your own experience or the experience of people you know.