English Placement Test: Writing prompts, Sample Essays, and
Grading Forms
Here is a collection of English Placement Test writing prompts/writing
samples that
you can use to simulate the EPT writing conditions in your university ESL or
high school writing
class.
These are the kinds of writing prompts that the students will have to
answer when they take the California State University English Placement
Test.
Also, I have included some sample forms that you can quickly fill out
and give back to the students so that they can see the strengths and
weaknesses of their writing. You may cut and paste
them for your use.
I would recommend that students with TOEFL scores of 480+ practice this
type of rigorous writing under time constraint.
Remember that practice makes perfect. Many students
initially will fail this type of writing exercise, but as you provide
constructive feedback they will improve. Be consistent in
your grading and stay firm in your evaluation of their essays.
EPT Practice Essay # 1: Question on
Fads and Trends
GENERAL DIRECTIONS: Plan and write an essay on the topic specified
below the directions. DO NOT WRITE ON A TOPIC OTHER THAN THE ONE SPECIFIED. AN
ESSAY ON A TOPIC OF YOUR OWN CHOICE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Because this essay is being assigned to give you an opportunity to
demonstrate your ability to write effectively, you should take care to express
your thoughts on the topic clearly. Be specific, using supporting examples
whenever appropriate. Your essay should be as well organized and as carefully
written as you can make it. Remember that how well you write is more important
than how much you write. Allow time to review and proofread your essay and to
make any revisions or corrections if you wish.
Because we are simulating actual EPT essay administration conditions, you
will have 45-minutes for your planning, writing, and editing.
TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS: You will probably find it helpful to spend some
time considering the topic and organizing your thoughts before you begin
writing. You may make notes on scratch paper.
ESSAY TOPIC:
Briefly describe a fad or trend that you dislike. Explain why it has
attracted so many followers and why you dislike it. Develop your point of view
by giving reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or
reading.
Sample Six Essay
One can always find conflict within the perspectives of individuals.
Organizations, political parties, and emerging fashions or trends are often
under close scrutiny by those whose personal opinions differ from the expressed
frame of mind. Such conflict occurs within my own mind whenever the Youth
Revolution concept comes to mind.
The reason I experience such conflict with this idea is the fact that I am a
member of it. The Youth Revolution is a growing number of young people who are
on fire for Christ, and not afraid to show it. Today there are millions of
"youth", aging 15-30, who are making known publicly their love for
God. The appeal of such an allegiance is apparent. Youth gatherings are welcome
to all people, there is never a problem with being accepted for who you are.
There is also the latest Christian rock music, as well as wholesome messages
taught by speakers from around the world, eager to share their love with today’s
youth generation. This is not the problem! The problem is the darkness that
lurks within.
I’ve seen the type before. Some of them are my close friends. On the
weekends at church, they profess their faithfulness to God and their eagerness
to follow in His ways. Yet two days later at school, they are caught breaking
into a soda machine? So many young people are merely playing a part to be
accepted. At church, they wear their angelic, disciple of God mask, only to cast
it away when that crowd is replaced by another. Such hypocrisy blows me away.
God is yearning for people to be His children, not carpetbaggers who pull God
out when He is needed, and put Him in his box when He is not.
Another downhill trend is the fact that the Youth Revolution is still new.
While some seek to be accepted by God’s people, others desire to rebel from
society’s standards, using God as an excuse. Good intentions can soon
disappear as the focus shifts from glorifying the Lord Almighty, to basking in
self-exaltation. When D.C. Talk (a modern, very popular Christian rock band)
steps on stage, for whom do the numberless masses cheer? The band, or the God
they serve? Praise, like vengeance, belongs to God, and shame on those seeking
glory at His expense.
I myself have struggled with this very ordeal. In high school, I sang in the
choir, was a member of drama, and even led youth vespers in a praise and worship
band. But all to often, I forgot where my loyalty lay. Perhaps that is why this
subject strikes so close to home. Lord forgive me, I have glorified myself,
using you for an excuse.
I am not preaching against the Youth Revolution, nor Christians, nor the
church. All have been pivotal in changing my life from one of helpless despair
to one of joy in Christ. But there are still so many who have not released their
own sinful desires, but continue to profess themselves as servants of God. I
desire not to persecute or alienate these lost children of God, I was one once.
Rather, I deeply hope that I can take part in their rescue. God deeply yearns
for a personal relationship with all people. The darkness envelopes us deep
within our hearts, only His light can bring us out.
"For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son. That
whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall inherit eternal life. For
the Son came into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it." -John
3:16-17
Essay has fully answered all parts of the essay question.
Focusing around a single idea, essay describes a fad or trend that the
writer dislikes. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using particular details, essay names the fad or trend and gives some
description of the fad or trend. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Essay explains why the fad or trend has attracted so many followers. 0 1 2
3 4 5 6
Essay gives specific reasons about why writer dislikes the fad or trend.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Essay develops the writer’s point of view by giving reasons and/or
examples from his/her own experience, observations, or reading. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons...0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have
difficulties with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1
2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical
of academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
EPT Practice Essay # 2: Question on Images
of Beauty
ESSAY TOPIC:
Images of beauty-both male and female-are promoted in magazines, in movies,
on billboards, and on television. Explain the extent to which you think these
images can be beneficial or harmful.
Sample Six Essay
Throughout history human generations have sought after role models. We desire
individuals to look up to, people who are the epitome of beauty and attraction.
In ancient times these people were often leaders in society: pharaohs, kings,
queens, and other leaders conspicuous to the masses. Today, however, these
living examples of masculine and feminine perfection have been replaced with
images of "beautiful" men and women on the faces of magazines and on
the screens of movies and television. Like the multitudes before, today’s
generations focus in here, on their role models.
Unfortunately, any of the individuals who are chose as desire icons are
dismissed as being vain or unhealthy to the public. Keep in mind, though, that
we have always had "superstars" to look up to, regardless of the
generation or genre for that matter. Beauty can take many forms, ad it is
natural for people to yearn to be sought after. In fact, I believe it is healthy
to see something beautiful and say, "That is what I want!"
Where would society be if no one had ever muttered those words? Where would
we be if no one desired to be great? Side by side, young boys and their fathers
watch professional sports, each admiring the beautiful strength and power of an
athlete unwilling to accept defeat. They then do likewise, encouraged to do
their best, no matter what the odds are against them. Little girls watch movies
such as "Ever After", wherein Cinderella, with all her beauty and
charm, finally finds true love and they deeply hope that they too can be sweet,
charming, and beautiful. In magazines such as "Men’s Health" and
"More", contributors demonstrate to men and women, respectively, how
to be more attractive in the eyes of others. The result? A more beautiful, even
healthier society. (It is worth noting that true physical beauty typically goes
hand in hand with good health.)
Like all good things, however, beauty and the desire to be so can be abused.
Self-images can be distorted, leaving an individual in a state of hopelessness,
as they take themselves to the extremes trying desperately to be accepted, and
seen as beautiful. Good personal relationships with family and friends can
overcome this obstacle, and can give the encouragement needed if one seeds to
excel in their overall being. It is this self-image, taught early on by parents
and family, that paves the road to true beauty. A young man with a positive
outlook on life can watch the movie "Braveheart" and say to himself,
"Wow, I want to be somebody like William Wallace; he’s a man’s
man!" and will likely succeed. His best friend, with a negative perspective
of herself can watch the same movie and say, "If I’m not pretty enough,
like that princess, no one will love me!" It all depends on the individual,
and how their mind is determined to accomplish things.
A desire to be beautiful can become perverted, yes, and all to often with
tragic results. However, when focused in a positive direction, that passion to
be extraordinary can attain remarkable results. The final product can be an
individual of great prowess, integrity, and beauty to all eyes who behold them.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Focusing around a single idea, essay explains why images can be beneficial
or harmful. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Essay uses specific examples of images of beauty-both male and female which
have been promoted in magazines, in movies, on billboards, and on television.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The writer clearly takes a position and develops an authoritative argument.
The argument is supported by convincing reasons and well-chosen examples.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons, colons... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have difficulties
with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See
Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
(See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical of
academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
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.
Sample Six essay
Throughout the centuries, youth have been persecuted by the "older"
and "wiser" adults of their generation as they continue to push the
envelope of accepted traditions and customs. I feel that this in an unfair
policing act on the part of the older members of the era. The reason? Control.
Practically everyone has heard the cliché, "Change is good." That
may be true, but even more so than that is the fact that change is inevitable.
Technology, customs, religion, and even climate changes over time, but the way
people react to it is constant; we fear it. People rear change because we fear
what we don’t understand, and if there is one thing that is difficult to
understand, it in teenagers.
Younger generations are constantly under scrutiny because they are the ones
that harbor change. The reason youth proposes change in not hard to understand;
it is because of the desire to be great, to have power. I’m not talking purely
about dictatorship power, but mostly personal strength, a mastery of one’s own
environment. IT is a characteristic desire of all mankind; however, the scales
are tipped in the favor of the young.
Adults currently work with everything they know. Everything they have learned
is focused into their endeavors. You have an advantage, though, for they have
been endowed with all that society already knows without ever working for it,
yet they are still eager to learn. They eagerly take up new ideas while the
older adults tend to stick with the "tried and true" method. Grownups
helplessly watch as the younger generation rises in knowledge and strength while
they themselves refuse to embrace that power. They fear that loss of control and
fight it through disapproval, disdain and punishment.
Where would we be today if young "rebels" had never fought the
system for their accomplishments? Alexander Graham Bell was ridiculed for a
crazy notion such as sound through electric wires. Young Galileo was
excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church, branded a heretic for proposing
that the earth orbited the sun. Jesus Christ Himself was crucified by an
organization of older, more educated men that He, because he would not conform
to the legalistic traditions of the Jewish Pharisees. All that we hold dear was
once labeled as radical and untraditional, but somehow we forget that those who
brought it to us were ever rebels against society.
In my opinion, the adults of a generation should not seek to inhibit the new
ideas of youth, but should strive to nurture that creativity and growth as a boy
or girl takes that step into the world as a man or woman. Inversely, young
people should respect those who are older and wiser, and aim to learn from them,
but never to be discouraged. The future lay ahead, and those who are to live in
it must be taught to do so, for we know not what the future holds, but we do
know how holds the future.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Focusing around a single idea, essay explains why adults are or are not
justified in becoming upset when young people break with the traditions of the
past.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Essay supports your position with evidence from your own experience or the
experience of people you know.
0 1 2 3 4
5 6
You clearly take a position and develop an authoritative argument. The
argument is supported by convincing reasons and well-chosen examples.
1
2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons...0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have
difficulties with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1
2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical
of academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
"Cleaning out my garage, closet, or drawers can lead to some astonishing
discoveries: I realize how often I have purchased an electronic gadget or a CD
because of fads or peer pressure, how often I have bought something to wear
because it was 'the thing to do.' Like many people, I find it hard to resist
these social pressures."
To what extent do you agree or disagree that social pressures lead people
to make purchases they would otherwise never have made? Support your
explanation with examples from your own experience or observation of others.
Sample Six Essay
Social pressures have impacted the lives of individuals as far back as
history is recorded, and although some believe that all people have the
opportunity to live their lives free from these environmental impacts, I argue
that we are all impacted to some degree by the factors of social pressures. It
is obvious through everyday observation that our cultures are constantly
influenced by the people within and around a given community. The reason for
such powerful influence is due to the way our sociology is wired in our brains;
our herd mentality.
Humans are social by nature. We live in groups, be it in family homes or
close-knit groups of friends. Whatever form our "pack" may take, it is
a universal element of the human race. Because of this gregarious mentality, we
each desire to be accepted by the other members of our social realm. Just as
there are various forms of social structure, however, there are also different
terms of acceptance. Humans will go to outrageous lengths to be esteemed by
their colleagues. A classic example is the recent advent of P.O.G.s.
P.O.G.s (Pineapple, Orange, Guava, juice bottle caps) were a monumental test
of a young child’s status in their chosen tribe. I remember purchasing
hundreds of the shiny, cardboard caps to show off how cool they (and their
owner) were. Your position in the pack was determined by the quality and
quantity of these stupid little pieces of condensed paper! Why? Because
somewhere along the line, somebody decided it was cool, thus influencing an
entire culture until a month later when the fad passed.
Another example of peer pressure is evident in clothing styles. Why do people
wear t-shirts with logos of companies they aren’t even affiliated with?
Because it’s cool! Why? Because everyone says so! No one would dress in
outlandish, punk attire unless they believed that someone they thought was
important would approve. Teens are often criticized due to their rebellious
behavior. Rebellious to whom? Not their pack, that is certain.
The simple reason that so many astonishing purchases of physical and
intangible things are made is because they are proofs of purchase. Each memento is a tattoo, giving evidence to the rite of passage they have taken in order to
assume their position in their tribe. Uneconomical, silly, absurd? Perhaps, but
to the pack, those medals are as real as those who wear them.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Writer understands the question. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Focusing around a single idea, essay explains whether or not the writer
agrees that social pressures can lead people to people to make purchases they
would otherwise never have made.
0 1 2 3
4 5 6
Essay supports your explanation with examples from your own experience or
from the observation of others.
0 1 2 3
4 5 6
You clearly take a position and develop an authoritative argument. The
argument is supported by convincing reasons and well-chosen examples.
1
2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have
difficulties with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1
2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical
of academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
Some people claim that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing. What
do you think: is it a good thing to rebel a little now and then? Support your
position with evidence from your own experience or from the experiences of
people you know.
Sample Six Essay
We have all seen them. He rides into town on his motorcycle, sleeves rolled
up revealing a tattoo on his upper arm. He dismounts his Harley and enters the
roadside diner with trouble in mind. Or perhaps she strolls out the front door,
paying no heed to her father’s warnings. She jumps into the van, filled with
her already drunken friends, ready for a night on the town. These images of
rebellion are familiar to us all and whether through movies or personal contact,
we know them when we see one. A rebel without cause.
Rebellion has been present within the human mind since the beginning of time.
Where has this concept originated from? That question is answered by exploring
the nature of rebellion. Rebellion is a succession from accepted government or
tradition due to disagreement with its philosophies. Therefore, rebellion is a
direct question of authority and most often, that authority is founded with our
best interests in mind.
I have a friend who is a bit of a rebel. He disagrees with his parent’s
mandated, but rather than discuss the issues with them, he simply decides to
ignore their authority. This rebellion is a poor means of accomplishing
anything. What he fails to understand is that his parents want him home before
12:00 am, not to spoil his fun, but because they don’t wish any harm to befall
him during his late-night peregrinations. More often than not, authority is
placed to ensure the well being of its citizens. A rebel without cause fails to
realize this, usually because their purpose lies elsewhere.
The most common reason for rebellion is the motive for attention. People
desire to be recognized, to be known, to have a name for themselves. Individuals
who never learn how to build themselves up positively soon learn that it is very
easy to be known for their rebelliousness. Another friend of mine would brag
during grade school about how the teachers warned each other about him. He had
succeeded! His name was known. Alas, in years to come he would regret that
choice he made, for it never left him and when searching for employment, he
found that his reputation indeed preceded him.
Such foolish rebellion is of no good use to anyone. Granted, when an individual’s
personal values are challenged, one owes it to themselves to make a stand for
what they believe at risk of being branded a rebel. That does not validate
rebellion without cause, however. The simple truth is that nothing productive
can come from a person’s decision to be uncooperative for the sole purpose of
being obtuse. If one has questions or issues with authority, voice them,
confront them! Find out why they are there, but do not assume that just because
you don’t like it means that it is wrong. Truly great people are those leaders
who take what is right and use it for good, not individuals who seed exaltation
through rebellious action. Be a leader, not a rebel without cause.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Writer understands the question. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Focusing around a single idea, essay explains whether or not it is a good
thing to rebel a little now and then.
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Essay supports position with examples from your own experience or from the
experiences of people you know. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
You clearly take a position and develop an authoritative argument. The
argument is supported by convincing reasons and well-chosen examples.
1
2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons...
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have
difficulties with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1
2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6
(See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical
of academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
Some people say that the best preparation for life is learning to work with
others and be cooperative. Others take the opposite view and say that learning
to be competitive is the best preparation. Discuss these positions, using
specific examples of both. Tell which one you agree with and explain why.
Sample Six Essay
Of all life’s challenges, the greatest task it presents, perhaps, is in
what manner an individual will tackle the challenge of life itself. From a very
early age, people are taught to respond to experiences in certain ways. Some
people stress that in order to succeed through life’s’ hardships, one must
embrace the cooperative efforts of other people. Others claim that the only hope
to prepare for the trials of life is to become self-reliant; willing and able to
care for oneself. Both are very popular perspectives with ample support for each
thesis.
Many mentors and leaders place extremely high integrity n the importance of
teamwork. It is true, that the efforts of a team can reap bountiful results. As
social creatures, humans generally cooperate well with others to accomplish
common goals. The success of such strategy is evident in all types of vocations
and professions, ranging from professional sports to emergency medical response
teams. A classic example of teamwork can be found through competitive
volleyball. Volleyball is a sport that all too often is played by the
individual, rather than the team. However, when played well, by two close-knit
teams, the excitement can become fast paced and thrilling. The fundamental
scoring strategy is the spike. The defensive maneuver to counter this is a
powerful block by the defending team. A good blocker is very hard to beat, even
if one is a very good spiker and a two or three-man block is nearly impossible
to hit through. The use of teamwork, however, can foil even the best blocking
efforts. An excellent example is a play called a "tandem" hit. In this
maneuver, one hitter sets up to spike and approaches to hit. The primary hitter
jumps just as the setter receives the ball. In anticipation of the spike, the
defense sets up and jumps to block, only the set has been placed above the
primary hitter, and the secondary hitter, following "in tandem" jumps
to hit just as the block returns to the ground, resulting in a hard driven spike
down the defenses’ throats. The use of teamwork has obvious advantages.
As many advantages as there are with the aspects of teamwork, there are also
many high points to being able to be self-reliant. A team is worthless if the
members can’t be counted upon to pull their own weight. If one can rely on
themselves, on the other hand, they always know whom they can trust. Let’s
look at another volleyball scenario. Another teamwork play is an offensive spike
called a "quick". In this attack, the hitter approaches the setter
before they have e en received the passed ball. Just before the setter sets the
ball, the hitter jumps right above and towards them. The setter then lofts the
ball directly into the hitter’s swing before the defense can set up a block.
The best-case scenario is perfect timing with swing and set with a ball powered
into the 10-foot line. The downside is that if the timing is off, the end result
is a missed spike and possibly a missed point. This very situation sometimes
occurred with myself and the setter of my high school team. I would be perfectly
set up and would jump and swing, only to find the ball floating two feet out of
reach and with me in the air, I was powerless to change course, resulting in the
middle hitter looking really dumb as the spike is missed and the ball hits the
floor. A far safer technique is the high lofting set which allows the hitter to
use their own individual talent to gauge the speed of the ball and spike it.
Although there are advantages and disadvantages to both team playing and
self-reliance, I believe that training in self-care and triumph is the most
important aspect when training to be successful in the world. If you know you
can count on yourself, you can always be certain of what you can take on. In
addition to that, if you can succeed as an individual, you become a person
better suited to work cooperatively, as someone your teammates know they can
count on. So by being self-sufficient, you also become eligible to take part in
a high quality team and having the talent to do both is far superior to being
completely at the mercy of those you have little or no control over.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Writer understands the question. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay objectively discusses why some people say
that the best preparation for life is learning to work with others and be
cooperative.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay objectively discusses why some people say
that learning to be competitive is the best preparation. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
In the final part of the essay, the writer clearly takes one of the
positions. The writer explains why he/she agrees with that position. The
argument is supported by convincing reasons and well-chosen examples.
1
2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have
difficulties with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1
2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6 (See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical
of academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
Describe the relationship of your parents. Discuss what you have learned from
them and how this might affect the way you now live your life. Be sure to use
specific examples to support your ideas.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Writer understands the question. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay describes the relationship of the writer’s
parents.
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay discusses what the writer has learned from
them and how this might affect the way he/she now lives his/her life. 0 1 2 3 4
5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
*The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons...
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference P1-P7)
*The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have difficulties
with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See
Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
*The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
(See Writer’s Reference
E1-E7)
*The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
*The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical
of academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
Compare and contrast the way of
life of you and your parents. What experiences from both your life and
that of your parents would you like your children (or future children) to
have? Be specific in your essay, using details and examples to support
your answer.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Writer understands the question. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay compares and contrasts the way of life that
the writer has with that of his/her parents. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay discusses what experiences from both the
writer’s life and that of his/her parents the writer would like his/her
children to have. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Writer effectively uses the compare and contrast writing strategy. 0 1 2 3
4 5 6(See Writer’s Reference page 29)
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons...0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference P1-P7)
The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have difficulties
with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
(See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6(See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical of
academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor
go over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
Some people say that computers are the new technology of today and the
future. They say that everyone must learn how to use computers in order to be a
part of the new information age. What do you think?Support your position
with evidence from your own experience or from the experiences of people you
know.
Sample Six Essay
Over the last decade, the human race has accomplished feats in
the development of technology. This last century has seen more change and growth
in knowledge than all the rest of recorded history combined. One of these
developments has been the recent advent of personal computers. This market has
been transformed into the most profitable avenue of industry as consumers flock
to own the latest and most recently revised computer machines and hardware. Many
people question, however, the need for computers in today's world, and whether
or not everyone should pursue an understanding of computer usage. I believe
everyone who has access to computers should become as proficient as possible in
learning to utilize them to accomplish their goals. Some people would disagree
with me, but the advantages of computer application are obvious.
Perhaps one of the best reasons for learning to use computers
is the fact that the computer is a tool. It can certainly be used for
games, but fundamentally, a computer is designed to do work so that you don't
have to. Computers allow us to accomplish tasks faster, easier, and of
higher quality than with more "conventional" methods and can even make
a once tedious task enjoyable. Many individuals argue that learning to use
the computers is too difficult and continue working the old fashioned way. It is
true that some computer applications take time to learn, but in the long run,
this extra bit of effort pays for itself many times over compared to a more
traditional method.
An amazing, hard-working man, my father knows how to
organize events and complete incomprehensive tasks, but refuses to embrace
computer technology. He recently produced a multi-media presentation for a
high-school athletics banquet using a conventional slide projector and an old CD
player for accompaniment. The end result was splendid, but required hours of
preparation, timing, and synchronization with music, development of slides, set
up, and clean up for a single ten minute presentation. How easier it would have
been, had he basic "Power Point" knowledge, to simply scan the photos
onto his lap-top, download the music desired and synchronize it with the
presentation software and save it onto CD. The presentation would have been a
mere matter of attaching the lap-top to the projector and running the disk. His
result was a success, but my father chose to take a detour through -LMNOP- to
get from A to Z.
Another advantage of computer application skills presents
itself in the job market. Due to the rapid growth of technology, employers
are looking for individuals with cutting edge knowledge. Not only will they be
able to accomplish tasks faster, but they will also be more likely to keep up
with computer technology as it develops, making them a more desirable long-term
employee.
It is obvious that computers are important in the professional
world, but that doesn't mean that one should wait to learn computer skills. I
praise the computer programs in grade schools and high schools. These programs
not only teach children proficiency in computer applications, but they
allow them to accomplish wonderful things while in school. My brother attends a
small private academy that has one of the finest multimedia programs in the
nation. The yearbook is produced digitally on computer, printed on campus,
and is personalized by the students who produce it.
The school enjoys an all color, personalized year book that is
far cheaper than what conventional printing methods cost, all because one
teacher wasn't afraid to explore what technology could do on campus. The
students involved with the yearbook production graduate with a knowledge of not
only computer applications, but with an appreciation of technology and what it
can do for them if harnessed effectively. Their outlook in the professional
world is good.
Many people still argue that computers will spell the undoing
of mankind, and that it is a poor choice to study their utilization and
potential. These are, however, the same individuals who laughed at Edison,
criticized the Wright brothers, and made a mockery of Galileo. They refuse to
explore what the human mind can dream, yet it is the dreamers who will succeed.
For them, their imagination is the limit.
Essay has fully answered all parts of the question.
Writer understands the question. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay argues whether or not computers are the new
technology of today and the future.0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Using specific examples, essay argues whether or not everyone must learn
how to use computers in order to be a part of the new information age. 0 1 2 3
4 5 6
Writer effectively supports his/her position with evidence. The writer uses
evidence from his/her own experience or from the experiences of people that
the writer knows.0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The essay has restated the question in the form of a thesis. Thus, the essay
frames around the demands of the assignment. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The body of essay has a very clear and logical progression that restates the
key points made in the thesis. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Summarizing the key points made in the essay, the conclusion brings proper
closure to the essay. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Given that the essay is under time constraint and that it was done in class,
the essay still has a fairly high level of polish typical to other students’
essays that were written under similar conditions. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
The writer has no problems with punctuation: commas, semi colons,
colons...0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s Reference P1-P7)
The writer has control of sentence structure and does not have difficulties
with comma splices, run-on sentences, or sentence fragments. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
(See Writer’s Reference E1-E7)
The writer has good control of subordination and coordination. 0 1 2 3 4 5
6 (See Writer’s
Reference E1-E7)
The writer uses good sentence variety. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (See Writer’s
Reference E7)
The writer does not use wordy sentences and has good word choice typical of
academic essays. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 (W1-W6)
Yes
or No The writer should go to the Writing Center (UH 387) to have a tutor go
over the essay.
Yes or No The writer should make an appointment to go to Michael’s office
to discuss the essay.
The writer should go to Michael’s ESL Web Site to review taking in-class
essay examinations:
GENERAL DIRECTIONS: Plan and write an essay on the topic
specified below the directions. DO NOT WRITE ON A TOPIC OTHER
THAN THE ONE SPECIFIED. AN ESSAY ON A TOPIC OF YOUR OWN CHOICE
IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Because this essay is being assigned to give you an
opportunity to demonstrate your ability to write effectively,
you should take care to express your thoughts on the topic
clearly. Be specific, using supporting examples whenever
appropriate. Your essay should be as well organized and as
carefully written as you can make it. Remember that how well you
write is more important than how much you write. Allow time to
review and proofread your essay and to make any revisions or
corrections if you wish.
You will have 120-minutes for your planning, writing, and
editing.
TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS: You will probably find it helpful
to spend some time considering the topic and organizing your
thoughts before you begin writing. You may make notes on scratch
paper.
ESSAY TOPIC:
The best swordsman in the world
doesn’t need to fear the second best swordsman in the world; no
the person for him to be afraid of is some ignorant antagonist who
has never had a sword in his hand before; he doesn’t do the
thing he ought to do, and so the expert isn’t prepared for him;
he does the thing he ought not to do; and often it catches the
expert out and ends him on the spot.
--- Samuel Clemens
Write an essay that explains
what Clemens means by his description of the "best
swordsman" and the "ignorant antagonist." Then
relate Clemen’s concept to an area about which you are well
informed.