Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. In Covey’s book, each of the seven habits builds on the preceding one. The order in which they are presented matters.

• Is Habit 7 intended to be practiced in the same way as the others? (topic sentence)
• Compare and contrast three other habits with Habit 7 to show the distinction among them.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain why you think the author places so much emphasis on Habit 7 relative to the rest.

2. Covey says that personal growth is an organic process.

• Can personal growth be accomplished with equal ease using the Personality Ethic as opposed to the Character Ethic? (topic sentence)
• Give examples of each approach to support your argument.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain whether you think personal growth can be achieved quickly using Covey’s methods.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.