Reposted for a numerical grade.
Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment below.
Independent people—those who rely on themselves rather than on others—get what they want through their own efforts. Interdependent people combine their efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their goals. To be most effective, people need to be interdependent. People who do not think and act interdependently may achieve individual success, but they will not be good leaders or team players.
Adapted from Stephen R. Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Assignment:
Is it necessary for people to combine their efforts with those of others in order to be most effective? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Recently, the India Deal was passed in Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. It gave India access to nuclear technology to help quell its energy needs. This move also earned the US a powerful ally. Had the two countries not worked together, the deal would have never been reached. It is necessary to combine efforts with others to be more effective as seen through my experiences with school theater, and through the formation of the EU.
At my school, the seniors, the juniors, and the underclassmen each create a unique theatrical production called SING! As a junior last year, our mission was to beat the seniors (the win over the underclassmen was guaranteed). Since this is purely a student-led production, things were in disarray at first. The seniors devised a strategy to win; they let everyone split up into their respective group (dance, props, etc.) to work on their assignment to perfection. On the other hand, we decided to hold practice by integrating everyone and working together. On performance night, our production meshed together like clockwork. The seniors fumbled relentlessly, barely being able to keep everything tied together. We had just pulled off a successful upset because of the work of our combined efforts.
Theater originated in Greece, a country that was once the most powerful in all of Europe. Though this did not remain the case, Europe itself developed into a powerful collection of countries. Then the US rose to become a superpower and Europe in turn seemed powerless. As a strategic and effective move, the European Union was formed-an organization consisting of most of the countries in Europe. This helped dramatically stimulate the European economy as a whole, and gave Europe leverage against the US. This balance of power would not have been achieved had the countries continued to act independently.
As effective as joint efforts may be, it is not employed enough in daily life. The bipartisanship seen with the India deal was a rare instance of unison between the Democrats and Republicans. Only when miscellaneous differences are cast aside will the full potential of combined efforts become apparent.
I am not certain you answered the question ....<in order to be most effective? >...you did address one could be more effective working interdependent.
The introduction of the second argument with the history of Europe is somewhat bizzare, and weakens the arguments.
Overall, your arguments were weak, in my opinion in that they did not support the question of MOST effective. It is a difficult argument to make, no doubt, and that is why it was chosen. Most students fall short analysis of the best way, or the most effective way. Considering the difficulty of the premise, and first draft marking criteria
Score: 3
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In order to develop an essay in response to the assignment prompt, you need to carefully consider your point of view on the necessity of combining efforts with others to be most effective. You should support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
To structure your essay, you can follow a basic introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion format:
1. Introduction:
Begin by introducing the topic of the prompt, which addresses whether it is necessary to combine efforts with others to be most effective. Provide a brief overview of the excerpt from Stephen R. Covey's book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," that states the importance of interdependence. Finish the introduction by presenting your thesis statement, expressing your opinion on the issue.
Example thesis statement: In my opinion, combining efforts with others is necessary to be most effective, as seen through my experiences with school theater and the formation of the European Union.
2. Body paragraphs:
In the body paragraphs, you will present your arguments and supporting evidence.
Argument 1: Experiences with school theater
Explain your experience participating in the school theater production and the comparison between the seniors' approach of working individually and your approach of working together. Describe how the seniors' lack of coordination and collaboration resulted in fumbled performances, while your integrated efforts led to a successful upset. Use this example to support the idea that combining efforts with others leads to greater effectiveness.
Argument 2: Formation of the European Union
Discuss the history of Europe's development as powerful countries, which later lost their dominance to the United States. Explain how the formation of the European Union was a strategic move to stimulate the European economy and regain power. Provide evidence of how the EU's combined efforts led to a balance of power against the US. Use this example to further support your argument on the necessity of combining efforts.
3. Counterargument and refutation:
Acknowledge a potential counterargument that might claim individual success is enough to be effective. Refute this counterargument by highlighting the limitations of individual success, particularly in the realm of leadership and teamwork. Use Covey's excerpt as additional support for your refutation.
4. Conclusion:
Summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis, emphasizing the importance of combining efforts with others to maximize effectiveness. End by providing a final thought or call to action related to the topic.
Remember to review and revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and proper grammar and spelling before submitting it.