Read the following peer writing example:
Assigned to the seat dead center in the back of the room, I’m surrounded by chatty junior boys talking across two aisles. I try my best to ignore them and listen to our instructor explaining the chapter review for the test tomorrow. They’re so obnoxious that I can no longer focus on Chemistry, but instead am drawn into their discussion, “that Nathan is lame and nobody likes him even though he’s almost my best friend…” There is no way I can concentrate or pay attention in class with their incessant banter—there must be something I can do eliminate this hindrance to my education.
If the teacher had a tendency to dole out detentions to anybody misbehaving, I’d be sitting next to four quiet students in fear of recrimination. Instead, he’d rather allow them to talk and miss the lecture than make sure everyone is paying attention. Perhaps I could convince him to just kick them out of class, but then he’d have to do that for everyone who’s not listening. At that rate, he’d have no class left to teach. Either way, that would just irritate them and they would rebel by talking even more.
Rather than provoking the boys by complaining to the teacher, I could just make noise over them to startle them into being quiet. As a lifeguard, when I blew a whistle, everybody stopped and looked at me. I could just bring my lifeguarding whistle into class and let out a blast when the noise level escalated. Not only would this stop all conversations immediately, but would also discourage anyone from letting out anything more than a whisper so they wouldn’t have to hear that screech again. I really like blowing my whistle, and I’m sure this would work; however, it is probably too extreme for a classroom. Interrupting Chemistry and each class in the near vicinity, I would probably get in trouble for making such a disturbance. I guess I should not use my favorite whistle as a resolution.
If I cannot stop this unnecessary blabbing with a whistle or a teacher’s reprimand, maybe I could just tell them off myself. Having seniority, I’ll step up as a new power from a peer’s point of view and they’ll be forced to back down. Being scolded by a senior is never something a junior would enjoy; it’d be almost scary. I know they would respond to me rather than any authority, and I would only have to raise my voice to get their attention. I’ll explain to them that I cannot learn or even hear Mr. G at the front of the room with their constant chatter and that they need to shut their mouths. Sure, they’ll be stubborn and give me some sass, but a little wit overpowers backtalk any day. That won’t be a problem at all.
Finally, I’ll be able to keep tabs on the noise level and will absorb all the knowledge coming from our Chemistry teacher, without the boys’ interrupting side conversations. Using the eternal power of the seniors, I’ll quiet them and learn in peace until I’ll have to go through the whole process again tomorrow. Next time, I won’t have to rely on authorities or superfluous noise; I’ll just remember that I am a senior and will know exactly what to do.
Submit the assignment answers via Google Docs - 15pts - due Wednesday 4/14.
1. What is the problem of the essay? (1pt)
2. What solutions does the author suggest? (1pt)
3. What does this author do well in the piece of writing? (3 pts)
4. Copy and paste your favorite sentence or sentences. Why do you like these sentences? Explain clearly. (3 pts)
5. Insert an additional paragraph introducing a new solution. Make sure that it flows smoothly. Your writing should try to mimic the original essay's. (7 pts)
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