The Idea of an Essay, Volume 2

176 “Confidence in the Classroom” by Theresa Guillory Instructor’s Notes In this paper, Theresa asks the question, “How can greater confidence be instilled in the writing classroom?”. What research methods did she employ to answer this question? How is her essay organized? Are you convinced her proposed solution(s) would be effective? Why or why not? Writers’ Biography Theresa Guillory is a sophomore nursing major from Maryland. She discovered her love for writing during the 8th grade and has written several brief devotionals, poems, and essays in her spare time. Outside of her studies, Theresa enjoys running outdoors, reading novels, cooking, and spending time with her two sisters. Confidence in the Classroom Audible groans filled the classroom as the professor introduced the requirements of the first writing assignment. “Each of you will compose a six-page, double-spaced essay that is due in two weeks, discussing your opinion of one of Sigmund Freud’s theories and providing a credible and persuasive argument supporting or opposing his ideas. In your composition, you must cite at least seven sources and follow MLA format, including a works cited page…” The instructor’s voice continued, but each of the thirty students in the Freshman Composition class ignored the remainder of her words and focused instead on how they would survive the impending two weeks of torture. While one part of the class began to plan trips to the library for research, another portion of the group considered creative procrastination techniques to evade the agony of writing such an essay. Freshman student Sarah Lewis, however, sat among her bewildered peers, attempting to conceal her tearfulness and contemplating how she belonged in the writing class under the