Essay 1, RHW 102

Spring 2007, E. Johnson

This essay will offer a public policy argument. You are to construct an argument using the articles we have read from the textbook and the website (or the videos we saw in class) as sources. Choose from the topics below.

1. Use of nonstandard varieties of English in US public schools (AAVE, IM). Write an essay describing what the policy should be, based on your reading and discussion. You may want to consider the following questions in deciding a focus for your essay.

$ What role, if any, should nonstandard varieties of English play in the classroom?

$ Should students ever be allowed to speak or write using varieties other than Standard English in school? Consider various school activities like presentations, whole-class discussion/ question and answer, group discussion, recess and lunch, writing reports, journal writing.

$ How could nonstandard dialects be useful in teaching Standard English?

$ What are some of the drawbacks of allowing students to use nonstandard language in school?

$ What are some of the advantages of allowing students to use nonstandard language in school?

$ Should Standard English be emphasized more in speaking or in writing?

$ Accent and grammar are both part of nonstandard dialects. Are they equally unacceptable?

$ Would your answer be different depending on the dialect of the majority of the children and/or of the teacher?

$ Can you reconcile a requirement of Standard English with an appreciation for cultural diversity?

2. Use of languages other than English in US public schools (ASL, Native Am., immigrant lgs.) Write an essay describing what the policy should be, based on your reading and discussion. You may want to consider the following questions in deciding a focus for your essay.

$ What role, if any, should languages other than English play in the classroom?

$ Should students ever be allowed to speak or write using varieties other than Standard English in school? Consider various school activities like presentations, whole-class discussion/ question and answer, group discussion, recess and lunch, writing reports, journal writing.

$ How could other languages be useful in teaching English? In helping students stay at grade level in other subjects?

$ What are some of the drawbacks of allowing students to use minority languages in school?

$ What are some of the advantages of allowing students to use minority languages in school?

$ Is there ever a case when ongoing bilingual education is appropriate?

$ Would your answer be different depending on the language of the majority of the children and/or of the teacher?

$ Can you reconcile a requirement of Standard English with an appreciation for cultural diversity?

You must cite at least 3 sources in your paper. The essay must be a minimum of three full pages, and a maximum of five, typed in 12-point font, double-spaced.

You have now studied the writings of experts on different language and language varieties in the US, and you understand what those different languages mean to different people. You are already very familiar with the school setting. Taking on the persona of a consultant to a school board, give your opinion on the use of diverse languages in the schools.

Summarize your background knowledge of the topic you’ve chosen and state your position. Elaborate on your argument and support it using information and quotes from the sources you have read.

In your conclusion, you may use an ethical (values) or an emotional appeal, but the essay should use logical evidence to persuade, for the most part.