In-Class Writing Sample #1

Priscilla Laguna

Dr. Gill

ENG 2105

Pop Quiz

30 November 2021

“The best writing is rewriting.”: 1 Draft, 0 WC Tutoring, 1 Teacher Conference

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                                       (Provocative Title) Let the Class Mantra Be the Little Voice Inside Your Head

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            (Hook) Across the ENG 2105 course, Dr. Barbara Gill, a Cal Poly Pomona University English Professor, argues, “The best writing is rewriting” (Gill). (Bridge) Dr. Gill emphasizes in the class mantra the expectation of turning in writing assignments that have gone through the rigorous process of editing and revising numerous drafts. (Divided thesis/stasis sentence: Opponent’s claim informed by 1 scholarly source) Although students who oppose the class mantra view the method of rewriting as a waste of time, (Rhetor’s main claim informed by 1 scholarly source) the benefits of following the class mantra outweigh the excuses put on by students because  (Reason/Support 1) it helps one, as the student, to make sure all of the grading criteria in the essay rubric are completed with perfection and receive a good grade.

             (Concession/Refutation) It is, indeed, true that students lead busy lives in and outside of the classroom; this limits the time a student can dedicate to visit tutors, rewrite papers, and complete other homework assignments. (Scholarly Source 1) Based on personal experience, the coursework required of a chemistry major weigh heavily on math and science classes that include three-hour labs and at least two hours of extra study time each week per class. Considering this, the last thing that comes up in a student’s mind is to concentrate on GE courses such as this ENG 2105 course. (Refutation: Rhetor’s Main Claim + Support 1) But, setting aside some time for applying the class mantra can help ensure a passing grade in the class. (Toulmin Warrant) The completion of an undergraduate degree in Cal Poly Pomona University mandates students to obtain a passing grade in both general education and degree-associated classes. (Scholarly Source 1) Many English instructors from all grades ranging from K-12 to college level advise their students “not to wait until the night before an essay is due to begin writing.” This argument makes sense because, as imperfect humans, students are prone to make grammatical errors and deviate from the given assignment rubric on the first draft of their paper. Drawing from personal experience, writing the night before results in turning in a paper that does not receive a satisfactory grade, and the student suffers for the rest of the day because of exhaustion from the night before. (Conclusion) When it comes to choosing between listening to one’s lack of experience and an instructor’s advice, the best way to go for guaranteed academic success is to adhere to the instructor’s guidance.

             (Summation: Argue that your stance on the issue is best for society) Once again, the temptation to disregard Dr. Gill’s class mantra, “The best writing is rewriting”, does not benefit the student in the long run. As outlined in the class homepage, correct application of Aristotelian Classical Argument requires the student to write more than one draft by “eliminating patterned errors in grammar brought from high school to college” (Dr. Gill). Society would benefit very much from applying the class mantra in everyday life because formal writing required in the job setting, such as memos and reports, requires an employee to have mastered the art of written communication. No one would like to end up like Minh Lee who did not take the class mantra seriously and had to pay the consequences of going back to school for additional support in written communication. If others were to follow in Minh Lee’s footsteps, they would waste precious time and money that they cannot freely give out of their day from their secular work and their housework.