by Arjun Singh ‘12

Students are all different and unique and so is their writing, but they can be better writers when they are given the freedom to explore any topic they want. Without many restrictions, students can put forth their best work, but this often is not the case. Many English classes force essay upon essay on students in which they have to write about boring topics. These assignments do not allow students to reach their full writing potential.

English class should help students become better writers by enhancing their writing skills and understanding of literature. Instead, many students lose their interest in writing. The drab topics introduced by English make students associate writing with boredom. Many high school students no longer like or want to write and they are more focused on getting the job done as quickly and effortlessly as possible.

Many assignments from English courses from all grade levels constrain students to strict prompts that make students write specifically about a certain topic. A restrictive English 9 essay prompt tells students to, “Write analytically about the effect of societal and historical pressures upon characters.” This prompt does not allow students to choose their own topic, and it also confines students to write about a certain book. These types of prompts do not allow students to be free in their writing. An example from English 12 asks students to “[Consider] written works and … analyze [and] evaluate techniques authors use to evoke change.” Again, students are bound to a predetermined topic and even to a specific thesis.

You would expect that assignments from AP courses such as AP Language and Composition would allow students to be free with their writings. Think again. Assignments from these classes hold students back as well. One AP Language essay asks students to, “Analyze how images … serve as alternate forms of texts themselves.” Just like assigned essays other English classes, this essay tells students exactly what to write about. Also, pressure from AP tests and getting good grades drives students to tailor their work to what will get them the grade. Students write based on what they think the teacher wants when they should write in order to convey their own ideas.

Even though many English assignments are limiting, some display what English assignments should do: give freedom to students. An example from an AP Language assignment asks, “Choose a controversial local, national or global issue with which you are familiar. Then, using appropriate evidence, write an essay that carefully considers the opposing positions on this controversy and proposes a solution or compromise.” This essay is practical because it allows students to choose a real-world topic they are interested in and are familiar with. Another example from English 10 asks students to, “Read critical essays and respond in writing by supporting or challenging the critics’ views.” This prompt allows students to give their own opinions and write avidly based on their own ideas.

The ideal essay assignment should permit students to passionately develop their personal opinion on any appropriate topic. This type of essay lets students freely express themselves without stringent limitations.

Students need freedom in order to create their best work and learn to become better writers. English classes need to provide students with more opportunities to be free in their writing so that English teachers don’t receive a number of similar essays. To promote better student writing, teachers need to give assignments that give students freedom but still teach skills required by the curriculum.