Sample Essays
First Exam over Lectures
(1) Basic Elements of
· Introductory paragraph. You could
do this paragraph several ways. You could just list the basic elements of the culture,
after an introductory statement which points to the importance of
· Development paragraphs. You could take each value up in turn in separate short paragraphs. Or you could combine them in various ways in fewer paragraphs. For example, in a second paragraph, you could combine the belief in the future with the idea of God as a transcendent deity whose actions to achieve His purpose create a future different than the past. You could then discuss the idea of man as a being of worth and dignity. Then in a third paragraph you could combine the ideas about the universe being purposeful and orderly and the social order reflecting the order underlying the universe.
· Concluding paragraph. Finally, you need
a concluding paragraph which could be part summary and part reflection on the
importance of
(2) Compare and Contrast the Hebrew and Greek Views About …. (Several questions ask for
this)
· Introductory paragraph. In statements of your choice propose the theme that the Hebrews and the Greeks had sharply contrasting views about (for example) human nature, and the social order.
· Development Paragraphs. There are different ways to do this. You could organize the essay along the lines of (1) “The Hebrew views about human nature and the social order were…”; (2) “The Greek views about human nature and the social order were…” Or, you could organize another way : (1) “The Hebrews and Greeks had different views of man. The one believed …. The other thought that….” (2) “The Hebrews and Greeks had different views about the social order. The one …. The other….” You may think of other ways to construct your paragraphs.
· Concluding paragraph. Summarize and call attention again to the radical differences as well as any similarities between the two peoples' views.