I've used these essay options for the final essay assignment. But you may substitute these options, with my permission, in the second semester in lieu of any assigned essay topic.

Option 1: Write about your writing. Reflect on all of the essays you've written and rewritten this year. First, think of one assignment that helped you learn to become a better writer. Then consider what you did or what you discovered that triggered that growth. Reflect on how you got your idea, how you formed your first draft, how you responded to the various student and teacher critiques, and, if applicable, how and why you chose to rewrite your essay. My goal here is not only to help you become a good writer, but also to help you become a conscious writer &emdash; conscious of the strategies you use, the qualities you feel are important to effective composition, and the effect your essays, stories and poems have on your audience.

Option 2: Of all the essays, short stories, novels, plays and poetry we read this past year, which one piece of literature most moved you, most made you think, or most affected the way you live your life? Write an essay explaining what you were like before reading this piece and what you are like now having read the piece. If necessary, explain the context of your life at the time you read this piece and your context now.

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