**Task:**
Write a 250-500 word essay examining your interests and talents, identifying a career goal, and explaining the steps you will take to reach this goal.
**Questions to consider:**
1. What do you like to do when you have free time?
2. Which is your favorite subject in school?
3. What does everyone say you are good at?
4. How do you picture your life in 10 years?
5. What education will you need to reach your goal?
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**1. Pre-writing:**
- Brainstorm a list of your interests and talents. Use the space below to brainstorm in any way you wish.
- Refer to the "Guide to Writing in the Social Sciences" at the end of this unit for more information about brainstorming.
**2. Writing an assertion:**
- Identify a career that would fit your interests and talents.
- Write a S.M.A.R.T. career goal.
*Example:* "Because I like helping animals and do well at science, I would like to be a veterinary assistant in 10 years."
**3. Organizing:**
- Organize your ideas into main points.
- **Paragraph One:** Discuss your interests and talents.
- **Paragraph Two:** Explain why the career appeals to you.
- **Paragraph Three:** Describe how you will prepare for that goal.
- Consider talking to a guidance counselor or checking the Occupational Outlook Handbook at your library or http://www.bls.gov/ooh/.
*Example:*
- Paragraph One: I like animals and do well in science. I have two dogs and started a dog-walking business. I volunteer at the animal shelter. My best grades are in biology. I won a prize in the school science fair.
**4. Drafting:**
- Compose a draft of your essay. Include an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
**5. Revising and Editing:**
- Assess and revise your work to ensure it meets the standards. Use this checklist to guide your revision:
1. My paper fulfills all aspects of the task.
2. My assertion clearly states what I prove in my essay about the assigned topic.
3. I have an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
4. I include three examples to support my assertion.
5. For each example, I include 3-4 pieces of supporting evidence.
6. My argument is clear and the order of my paragraphs is logical.
7. My spelling, grammar, and word choice follow the rules of standard written English.
8. I have used the Grading Writing Assignments Rubric (at the end of this assignment) to make sure my work meets the standards.
**Suggestion:**
Ask someone you trust (a peer, a parent, or a teacher) to look over your writing at this stage. Ask your reader if you have completed the items on this checklist. Consider incorporating any suggestions your reader makes. Another person's perspective is often helpful when writing.
