Writer A / Sample Paragraph #1

A broad explanation why people attend college is they are aware of intrinsic imperfections, or they see ignorance in others.  Mike Magnuson declares this (intrinsic imperfections) when he states, “’He’s going to fill his mind . . . even if nobody thinks Mike’s capable . . . by God Mike can know about it anyway’” (79).  Some people want to understand what they do not know, while others are content with “floating by,” as Jacob Neusner suggests (187).  For us to not float by we must move beyond our comfort zone to avoid being a mediocre student.  By not immersing ourselves in a subject we impede ourselves from understanding the dynamic of a subject.  Samuel H. Scudder’s professor asserts, “’Facts are stupid things . . . until brought into connection with some general law’” (69).  My views also agree with Scudder’s: without seeking the “why” and “how” of a subject we are floating by.  I was floating by in high school and oblivious to my ignorance.  Fortunately I have met other students going to college for these same reasons: to understand what we do not know.  While some attend college in search of reason and understanding, others are in school to change their views.

Writer A / Sample Paragraph #2

If we are paralyzed by risk, we are unable to reveal who we “could” be.  I have learned if we do not take risks we need not worry about anything happening; nothing will happen.  The writers for Essay #2 -- Scudder (66-69), Magnuson (75-80), Crichton (134-138), Neusner (184-190), Boyes (263-266), and especially Salat (21-29) -- obliquely propose the importance of risk taking by explaining the trials their characters go through.  I think the writers have a valid point: attending college is about taking risks and realizing our true self.  I have witnessed others taking risks by voicing their opinions and being open to another’s input; they are accepted because of their differences.  Without taking a chance they may not have been accepted.  In speaking with others I have found a common agreement that one can not truly be accepted without taking risks.  While some embrace the long-term benefits of risk taking, others are only looking for short-term aid.

Writer B / Sample Paragraph #3

Another reason some students may attend college comes from the idea of being able to begin their persona again, to rebuild their reputation.  For example, in Jennifer Crichton’s essay, “’Who Shall I Be?’ The Allure of a Fresh Start,” she states that “going away to college gives us a chance to rinse off part of our past, to shake off our burdensome reputations” (134).  Crichton then goes on to talk about some of the different ways some people change themselves while attending college.  Some change to hide their past or present, while some people just change to be someone else for once.  No matter what the change, in the end you will never escape who you truly are.  [This last idea needs more explanation from the writer to develop his own viewpoint as it relates to what Crichton has to say.]

Writer B / Sample Paragraph #4

Another reason many of us are attending college is to prove to ourselves and to others our mental capabilities. In high school I never really applied myself; I went because I had to. I didn't do the work; I just didn't care. At that time I didn't care about gaining mental knowledge, nor did I have any intention of further schooling after graduation. Throughout the years, my opinion has changed. I want more schooling, more knowledge, and the opportunity to apply myself. I want to prove to myself that if I try I can do it. In the process, I get to also prove to others that I am brighter than I make myself appear. This opportunity is very important to me; I will try my hardest and apply myself to the fullest. If I do these things, the outcome will be awesome.