Choose one of the following topics and write an essay of at least 3 pages in MLA format. As I grade this essay, I will look for organization, paragraph focus, thesis, development of ideas, specifics, and understanding of any texts cited. I will also look for imaginative insight into the theme of sustainability we have been discussing all semester.

1. Compare and contrast Friedman's vision of a sustainable future for America with the approach to sustainability in one of the other readings for class, such as Ecotopia. Are the different visions compatible or opposed? Explain your own sympathies; which vision do you find most compelling, realistic, or inspiring? Draw on specific quotations and paraphrases from the texts.

2. Develop your own vision of a sustainable American society 100 years in the future. Using Ecotopia as a model for your writing style (but not necessarily your ideas), describe some key aspect of this society in your essay, giving details to support your assertions. You could describe how the society functions or you could imagine and describe the future history that led to the establishment of the society.

3. Come up with your own essay topic which draws on at least two readings for the course. Submit your proposed topic to me by 5/17.

In-Class Essays: As you know, this will be an in-class essay. You are encouraged to bring a printed or handwritten outline with topic sentences, thesis, and supporting details already written out in full sentences. You can bring other notes as well. However, you may not bring with you any drafts of the essay. Here is a more specific rule: You may not bring anything with more than two sentences in a row that end up in your essay. You will turn in any materials you use on the test. Also, you will not have internet access or any other form of access to electronic data during the exam. All preparation materials must be printed or handwritten.

I encourage you to prepare for this exam as thoroughly as possible by revising your outline, by visiting the Writing Success Project and the Writing Lab, and, if you are nervous about in-class writing, by giving yourself a practice test. I recommend practicing writing out the essay under time pressure at home. (You just can't bring that practice essay with you to the real exam.)

Grammar, word choice, and formatting do count for in-class essays. Do your best in the time you have. The more prepared you are, the more time you will have to proofread during the exam.

Good luck! See me or email me with questions.