Welcome to the academic blog for all Central Catholic High School students currently enrolled in Writing The Essay. This weekly blog outlines and explains each and every writing prompt from the semester long class. Students should utilize the site to review the prompts in the event of an absence. Also, parents should feel free to check out the many different topics and styles of writing that their children are exploring throughout the school year.
Nov 18, 2010
DAY 4: POLITICS
After reading the article about this piece of public art, write about your personal opinion on this type of public display. Do you think that it is appropriate and necessary to share this type of info in this manner, or do you think something different. Explain your position in 250-500 words.
Nov 17, 2010
DAY 3: SPORTS
Today you get an option between two sports related topics:
1. Jeff Reed->Do you agree or disagree with cutting him from the team?
2. Fighting in Hockey->Do you think it is good or bad for the sport?
Pick one of these options and read the article that accomanies each topic. Write a 250-500 word response that shares your position on this issue.
Nov 16, 2010
DAY 2: ART and ADVERTISING
Sometimes the art OF advertising is more impressive than the product that's being advertised. The following slideshow sheds some light on the advertising (aka propaganda) techniques that are used to persuade the consumer to think a particular way about a product. The goal is to make the consumer feel good about buying the product and potential not so good if they do not purchase the product. In many cases, this is harmless and it a great way to sell useful goods; however, there is also a darkside to advertising.
Problems arise when products are advertised in a misleading manner when the seller knows of the product's potential danger. One group of products that are commonly advertised and knowingly mislead consumers are alcohol companies. The article, Booze ads 'misleading' youngsters discusses this issue at length. After reading the article and reviewing the advertising techniqes, make a list of specific examples where alcohol commercials practiced some of the techniques mentioned in the slideshow.
Nov 15, 2010
DAY 1: MUSIC The music of The Beatles transcended the 60s Generation; starting out innocent and with romanticized visions of the world, and ending with a jaded perspective on higher authority while still holding on to idealized concepts of obtaining peace and love for all. One song that seems to challange some of these "hippy" values and ask the tough questions to this generation built on change is "Revolution." Some may see this song as a battle cry for the 60s counter culture, but is it really?
Listen carefully to the lyrics and decide for yourself. What is the song really talking about and forcing its listeners to think, do, or say about the world in which they're living? Then, once you decide what goal the song is working towards, discuss how this song could be applied to your own generation. Are there any lines in particular that stick out as significant or applicable today? If not, what other kinds of things do they need to hear? 250-500 word requirement.
You say you want a revolution Well, you know We all want to change the world You tell me that it's evolution Well, you know We all want to change the world But when you talk about destruction Don't you know that you can count me out Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right
You say you got a real solution Well, you know We'd all love to see the plan You ask me for a contribution Well, you know We're doing what we can But when you want money for people with minds that hate All I can tell is brother you have to wait Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right Ah
ah, ah, ah, ah, ah...
You say you'll change the constitution Well, you know We all want to change your head You tell me it's the institution Well, you know You better free you mind instead But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow Don't you know it's gonna be all right all right, all right all right, all right, all right all right, all right, all right
Sometimes the art OF advertising is more impressive than the product that's being advertised. The following slideshow sheds some light on the advertising (aka propaganda) techniques that are used to persuade the consumer to think a particular way about a product. The goal is to make the consumer feel good about buying the product and potential not so good if they do not purchase the product. In many cases, this is harmless and it a great way to sell useful goods; however, there is also a darkside to advertising. 
Problems arise when products are advertised in a misleading manner when the seller knows of the product's potential danger. One group of products that are commonly advertised and knowingly mislead consumers are alcohol companies. The article, Booze ads 'misleading' youngsters discusses this issue at length. After reading the article and reviewing the advertising techniqes, make a list of specific examples where alcohol commercials practiced some of the techniques mentioned in the slideshow.
