Journal Topics/Assignment 1

Many students say the hardest thing about writing is getting started. Journal writing is one solution to that problem. Journal writing is informal. The point is getting the writing process going, getting your ideas down on paper. Therefore, you need not be concerned with organization or grammar. Just think about the topic for a few minutes and begin to write. You may be surprised about some of the ideas that come out of your head and onto the paper!

• Each journal entry should be approximately one page in length.

• All journal entries must be kept in a notebook. (I will not accept loose papers.)
• The first set of journals is due on Thursday, September 11.   I will not grade the journals but completing them is a requirement of the class.

1.    How important are pets in your culture?  Give examples of the types of pets that are the most popular and how they are treated.  For example, what kind of food do they eat?  Are they taken to doctors if they become sick?  Do they ever sleep in bed with people?  What happens when a pet dies?   If you've had a pet, be sure to include specific examples of how you treat your pet.

2.  In Saroyan's "The Filipino and the Drunkard" a young Filipino kills a man who has been verbally abusive to him. Should the Filipino be sentenced to prison? Support your answer fully.

3.  In "A Measure of Freedom" Jade Snow decides to pursue a college education even though her father has little enthusiasm for this. In your culture do parents have the right to decide about their children's futures? For example, is a father able to tell his son or daughter which profession to choose or whom to marry? Do you agree with the situation as it is in your culture? Support your answer fully.    

4.  Freewrite:  Write on any topic that comes into your head.