In any case, on multiple occasions, I just had to stop and reread some of the comments the students made in their papers. I have decided to share many of their insights with you.
First off, here is the prompt:
Please write a fully developed essay that articulates your viewpoint as to what/who the most important and or pivotal event/person was in either World history or United States history. Although the essay is primarily opinion based, the grade you receive will be based on how well you support your argument. You must support your argument with concrete research. All research used or referenced must be cited in a bibliography.
Very much open ended. Some students wrote about September 11th, others the American Revolution or the Declaration of Independence, and some others were a little out there.
- On July 20th, 1969 everyone felt proud of where they came from and the fact that they live in a country that did something that no one else could. This makes this event [landing on the moon] even more important because there haven’t been that many events in world history that have caused feelings of nationwide pride.
- Our science studies here on earth benefitted more from the moon landing that from any other event in US history.
- Leaders who initiated the attacks [on September 11th] were Osama Bin Laden and Sudan Husain, both of which have been killed
- I know Marbury vs. Madison is the most pivotal point in United States history. If I were to ask you what makes the United States the free, amazing and beautiful country it is today I am confident that your answer would include the freedoms and rights granted to us … The day judicial review was first implemented was the day our country was born.
- Throughout world history and U.S history there have been both many important people, and events that have occurred.
- I believe that attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most important events in World War II and in the history of the world.
- From around 1900-1970 people of all different races and sexes were trying to gain rights.
- Although some people believe that Jesus Christ was fictional, I believe he was the most influential person in history.
- Whether you are a homeless person on the streets, or the President, everyone has rights.
- The Constitution lets us say what we want, write what we want, sing what we want.
- I believe by giving African-Americans their freedom, most white people have realized that everyone is equal, where they be male, female, adult, child, white, black, yellow, orange or purple – we are all equal in every aspect of the world.
- So during these long days when the slaves were hard at work, where were the owners of these slaves? Honestly, what did they have to be doing when they had a slave to do it all for them? They didn’t cook, clean, or tend to the fields. So what did they do all day other than socialize? I can only imagine how they acted when slavery became illegal and they had to do their own work in the hot, steamy fields all day. I don’t think anyone really things about this part, but I believe this is when Americans stated developing a work ethic.
- Yes, they did hire the African-Americans to do the work, but what did the poor white people do? They did the work themselves. They learned to budget their time and gain some muscles.
- Dr. King's first major role in the Civil Rights Movement was in 1955. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott planned by President Richard Nixon.
- Although Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, his legacy lives on today. There are numerous statues and memorials in honor of the man who created equality for all.
How old are these students you ask? Juniors in Seniors in high school. Our country is going to be in so much trouble when they start leading it.
But, one of my roommates showed me this website, at least my students aren't this bad - although class would be a lot funnier
(SIDE NOTE: these 15 pearls of wisdom were only from one of my five classes ... can't wait to read more!)
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