No Impact Man: Final Writing Assignment

Okay, we read No Impact Man, we experienced our own No Impact Week, we have enjoyed thoughtful discussions, you have written amazing comments on the blog, and we even met Colin Beavan himself. We've come a long way--and I am excited about where we are heading next. But before we move on, let's channel this momentum and thoughtfulness into writing. Let's take stock of where we are as thoughtful human beings right now.

Your final assignment with regards to our study of NIM is to repond to one of the following prompts in a 800-1000 word essay:

1. Beavan's memoir is dotted with specific, powerful moments in his life that helped shape his beliefs (the Isabella ones immediately come to my mind). Describe a moment in your life that permanently changed you and helped shape you into who you are today. Be specific and honest.
2. "Knowing how to live is not something we have to teach children. Knowing how to live is something we have to be careful not to take away from them" (87). Discuss what we can learn from children about living.
3. "If it's not about getting more and more stuff and more and more technology, then what is it [this rat race] for?" (160). Beavan explores the meaning of life in his memoir a lot. In your opinion and experience, what is the point of this life? Support your assertions with specific illustrations from your own experience.
4. Develop one of your blog posts into a longer essay.
5. Using research that you or a classmate have presented to the class and posted on the blog, argue for a change in America by both presenting the current facts--and specifically describing a better alternative.
6. Beavan takes a hard look at his life in an effort to decide how he wants to change and live his life from here on out. With this in mind, what do you want your future to look like? Be specific to YOU.
7. Discuss a change you wish to see in the world--and what should be done about it. Be constructive and specific.

These essays will be worth 100 points. I will grade them (25 points each) on the following four elements: development and specificity of ideas, concise and thoughtful wording, powerful and effective organization of ideas, and grammar.

Due date: Friday, November 5. Let's make this one a hard copy.