Write a 750 - 1,000 word narrative essay in which you explore your “literacy.” As you go
through the writing process to generate ideas, you might brainstorm and freewrite on
any or all of the following points:
What are some of your earliest memories of reading or writing?
Which people (parents, teachers, tutors, group leaders, authors, etc.) have most
influenced the development of your communication, reading and writing skills?
What specific classes, people or experiences have been crucial to your growth
as a reader, writer, and thinker? What classes, people or experiences have
hampered your growth as a reader, writer and thinker?
What factors have influenced the language you use and your attitudes about
language?
How has your understanding of reading and writing changed over time?
What do you believe is the role of the government, churches, schools, and/or
other institutions in promoting a person’s literacy?
What do you think constitutes being culturally literate in America, and do you
consider yourself to be culturally literate? Why or why not? What does it take to
be culturally literate? Does cultural literacy happen overnight or is it something
that is a matter of lifelong learning and experience? Does that learning only
come from school or from other avenues as well?
Why is literacy relevant to you? What benefits come from it?