Throughout the history of the world, writers have tried to conceive better worlds than the ones they actually lived in. Look up the word “utopia” in Wikipedia and read about the various attempts at conceiving the perfect society. Do you think these efforts were worth the time and energy the authors put into them? Or do you think the world would have been better off if theses authors had tried to do something concrete to improve the actual world they lived in? Take a position and support it.
Author: D. Sader
“Snivelization”
Herman Melville referred to civilization as “snivelization.” What do you think he meant? Look up the word “snivel,” digest all of its meanings and then write an essay agreeing or disagreeing with the author of Moby Dick.
Cities
Is the big city “a wondrous toy” as the song goes, or is it a hill of swarming ants? Is it a creative showcase for a country’s talent and skill or is it a drain on the energies of millions of people who must struggle for survival from day to day? Can it be both? Is it something else? What does the city mean to you? Describe your view of the city in specific detail.
A Glass Dictionary
“The world is a glass dictionary,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. What does he mean by that remark? Is he right? Or do you think the world is an opaque dictionary? Take a position, and support your views with examples drawn from your experience.
To Help or Not to Help
Do you think that Canada has any obligation to help underfed and undernourished people in other countries? Take a position and defend it in an essay.
How Should We Respond?
Even among professionals who work with young people, the question of how to deal with teenage crime has led to hot debate. Some believe that teenagers convicted of crimes should be treated just as adults would be. Others believe that young offenders should be given firm but understanding discipline. In an essay for an adult audience, take a stand for the approach you think is the more fair and effective. You should have no trouble finding newspaper articles reflecting both points of view to aid in your argument, but draw from your own experience and observation as well.
An Adapted Novel
Describe your reactions to seeing a book you know and like adapted for the movies or TV. Were you pleased with adaptation? Were you unhappy with it? Provide the reasons why you had the reactions you had.
Reading in Bed
Describe in careful detail the experience of reading in bed. Why is it such a pleasure for a lot of people? Is it a pleasure for you? Why or why not?
Changing the Ending
Select a well-known story, novel, fable, or fairy tale and write a new ending for it.
Pen Name
Many authors have used pen names for various reasons. Invent a pen name for yourself. Then describe in detail all of the reasons you have chosen this pen name.