Question

Choose one of these two prompts to respond to:

1. Based on Blume’s essay — The issue is whether parents have the right to demand that schools censor their children’s reading materials. In your opinion, do they, and if so how should they exercise that right?
2. Based on Kozol’s essay — Why would an illiterate society be more likely to become less democratic?

Your answer should consist of a well-developed paragraph, which means your first sentence should answer the question(s) (i.e., topic sentence), and the following sentences should support the topic sentence. The paragraph should be unified and coherent with specific supporting details or examples from the story. The sentences should be clear, concise, and arranged in a logical order. Transitions, pronouns, and repetition should be used to provide coherence. The paragraph should follow an argument format.

Answer 1

Parents may suggest for censorship in books. After this suggestion, the school authorities can talk to administrative bodies in order to make certain changes. These changes should be done only after complete analysis of the subject.

Censorship may develop a sense of restriction. It will not be good for child's development. It may hamper the scope of thinking of children. Frequent changes should also be avoided because it generates doubts and suspicion on the content.

It may create a situation of dilemma. Hence proper analysis is must before making any changes or before imposing any restriction to the present content of textbook.

Illiteracy is a curse for any society. People in the absence of education can not understand the road signs. They can not understand the traffic rules. They find difficulties in finding ways in hospitals, parking, railway stations etc. They do not become aware about their rights and any person can take unusual benefits.

It may create a sense of anger and dissatisfaction. This may force them to adopt a rebellion path. These consequences are bad for any civilised society. Illiteracy also creates hurdles for getting the employment opportunities.

These hurdles can also motivate them to adopt antisocial methods to make an earning. Illiterate people can cast their votes under some monetary influences. This is also a lethal step for any democratic system. All such consequences are clear indication of the fact that illiteracy may proved to be a big threat for a civilised and democratic society.