Impromptu Writing Practice

Engl 3130 Advance Composition, Spring 2011

(O'Donnell, ETSU, First-year composition course materials)

Sample writing prompts

1.) In an essay entitled "Clothing as a Sign System," sociologist Alison Lurie claims that the way we dress--the very clothing we wear--is a kind of "human language." Lurie argues that this "human language" is one of our earliest forms of communication, and that it is one of our most effective means of communicating feelings, beliefs, and value systems to one another. Hairdo, clothing, jewelry, and make-up, she states, are elements of a powerful "group language." This "language" identifies us as part of our culture, from the conservative dark suit of the stockbroker to the crown that adorns heads of kings and queens. Lurie argues that this "group language" may also rob a person of his or her individuality. Even though we may choose clothes based on practical considerations, such as comfort and durability, Lurie contends that our choices are severely limited because societies define which garments can be worn by whom, and when. Lurie claims that, "even when you think you can choose anything to wear, your culture and circumstances largely determine what you can wear--as well as when and where. To choose clothes for yourself is to define and describe who you are and what you believe in."

Write a short essay that agrees or disagrees with Lurie's viewpoint about clothing. What does our clothing say about us? Is clothing a "sign system" that communicates our most cherished values and our most deeply held beliefs?

2.) Consider the following, written by a first-year college composition student:

People spend much of their time escaping reality. For example, they watch TV soap operas, go to movies, browse the internet and watch Youtube videos, or read adventure stories and romance novels. Such escapism is destructive; it is harmful to both individual accomplishment and societal well-being.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Write a short essay explaining your opinion. Include specific evidence drawn from your own reading, observations, and experience.

3.) Many educators agree that the skills of reading and writing are closely linked--that effective writers are likely to be skillful readers and vice versa. In modern society, though, people turn more and more to images on the TV screen for information and entertainment and less and less to books and periodicals.

Consider your present interest or lack of interest in reading. To what in your past do you attribute your passion, or lack of passion, for reading? Have certain individuals motivated you to read more? What other influences have shaped your attitudes towards reading? Have your interests themselves driven you to read about a particular subject? What kinds of reading do you most enjoy? Least enjoy? How has your attitude toward reading affected your writing--or don't you believe there is a correlating influence in your case?

After considering all of the questions above, write an essay in which you analyze your own development as a reader, and in which you describe your reading life.