Note:  These sample paragraphs should be double-spaced.  However, because of some problems that I encountered when loading this file into a web environment, I chose to use single spacing rather than risk some students having to work with unclear spacing.  Therefore, please use these sample paragraphs only as examples of well focused and well organized introductory and first body paragraphs and ignore the line spacing.  If you have any questions, please contact Professor Thomas Dow at 708-974-5623 or dow@moraine.cc.il.us.

Pat Student

Communications 101

Professor Dow

May 1, 2001

One Way to Get An Apple A Day

        According to a recent Gallup Poll, while many people fondly look back on their school years and those favorite teachers, teachers in America's schools continue to be generally overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated. A popular saying on many college campuses reinforces the negative stereotype often directed at educators: "If you can’t do, teach" (Reagan). Contrary to this low opinion of the teaching profession in general and seemingly in spite of a lack of appreciation, many teachers are dedicated professionals who inspire even the most unmotivated and underprepared students to achieve. Therefore, those interested in pursuing a career in teaching should consider the complexities of this vocation and realize that in order to be successful teachers they will have to have a strong command of the material in their field, have extraordinary communication skills, and most importantly, have the ability to balance a commitment to standards with a sense of empathy for their students.
        In order to be successful, one skill that teachers must have is a strong command of the material in their respective field of expertise. First of all, having a strong command of their particular discipline, rather than merely a general understanding of the subject area, enables teachers to approach each class meeting confidently. Regarding the importance of a teacher’s expertise and resulting confidence, in "We Can Only Teach That Which We Know Well," John McDonald states, "[E]ducators who know their subject area inside and out are more likely to be innovative in their approach to teaching especially difficult to understand course material."  As McDonald suggests, there is a connection between the teacher’s comfort level with the course material and his ability to successfully make lessons understandable for students.  Therefore, successful teachers are those who are able to confidently use their knowledge to create an interesting and dynamic learning environment for students.

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                                                   Works Cited

Gallup Polls, Incorporated. "Teachers in America 2000." Gallup Polls. 2000.

        http://www.gallup.com/teachers/2000/tch062.htm (1 Nov. 2000).

McDonald, John. "We Can Only Teach That Which We Know Well." College

        Composition and Communication 40 (1992): 38-52. ProQuest Direct.

        File # A19254449. (7 Nov. 2000).

Reagan, Anne. Personal interview. 31 Oct. 2000.