Writing Task 2

Here are some reminders for when you are completing this Writing Task:

• Read the poem "A Fable" given below and complete the writing task on a sheet of paper. The poem may give you ideas for your writing.
• You may take notes, create a web, or do other prewriting work.
• After you complete writing your composition, read whatever you have written. Make sure that your writing is the best it can be.
• After writing your answer click on the appropriate radio button.

Read the poem “A Fable”. After you are done, you will do a writing task. The poem may give you ideas for your writing.

A Fable Had a quarrel, And the former called the latter “Little prig.” Bun replied, “You are doubtless very big; But all sorts of things and weather Must be taken in together To make up a year And a sphere. And I think it no disgrace To occupy my place. If I’m not so large as you, You are not so small as I, And not half so spry; I’ll not deny you make A very pretty squirrel track. Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; If I cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut.” --Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 –1882)

Compared with the mountain, the squirrel is much too tiny. But, surely, size has nothing to do with talent. Write a composition and be sure to discuss whether the squirrel’s small size makes it less worthy. Describe how you had to prove your talent against a much bigger person. In the poem, who is a better debater–the big mountain or the tiny squirrel? Explain.