Assignment:Creative Writing: The Death Penalty
Write 2 to 3 pages:
Consider a particular position you've taken, a plan you're making, a direction you plan to head off into. This can be any kind of issue: why you've become a vegetarian, why is it reasonable to live in downtown L.A? Why is two years of community college a good idea, rather than heading off to a four-year school right away? Why buy a used truck rather than a brand-spanking new one? why you've moved from one place to another, why you refuse to listen to a particular performer's CDs. The important qualification is that this topic you select needs to be a stand or action that another person might disagree with.
Envision someone who misunderstands this position of yours. Assume that this person is someone you essentially respect a parent, a teacher, a friend left behind--so that even though this person may not share your perspective, you do think they're worth an explanation; you don't think they're just crazy or hostile.
For this writing, write the explanation you would provide so that your reader will understand your position. Your main purpose isn't so much to change or challenge the reader's point of view; you are explaining what motivates you to do this action or have this belief, what you feel it will bring you, or where it will take you. You're explaining your point of view, and doing so in enough detail that the evidence will build its own case.
The thesis statement needs to clearly set out your position; the support for the thesis needs to provide more than just emotional motives or reasons. Offer facts, evidence, observations from others that have helped you come to the position you hold. (why is it reasonable to live in downtown L.A? Why is two years of community college a good idea, rather than heading off to a four-year school right away? Why buy a used truck rather than a brand-spanking new one?) Describe your perspective thoroughly and clearly enough, with examples and details so the reader can follow your logic and understand your reasoning--even if he or she doesn't agree, your case has adequate grounds to support it.
Also, don't feel that this has to be a serious or life-and-death topic; you could write about cultural preferences (this will require more of a different kind of evidence, but it can be done) such as movies to see, music to listen to, entertainment you choose to participate in (why skate board? Why pay money to go see opera? Why do you not subscribe to cable televison?)
Pick a topic you do have some interest in, but one that you can discuss in other than purely personal terms. Then offer your rationale to your readers, with the hopes of making it clear, and also making an impression on them.