Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Short Answers / 367

SAMPLE bRIEf RESPoNSE

The following sample typifies the sort of brief responses called for by scholarship
and college applications.

Question

Why do you want to attend Middletown College?

Response

Because Middletown College offers a nationally recognized equestrian program, I look forward

to completing my associate degree there. Our family business involves breeding, training, and

showing horses, as well as retailing trappings. As a result, my already deep personal involve-

ment in my career has prepared me for the rigors of the curriculum.

ANALYSIS of THE SAMPLE bRIEf RESPoNSE

The sample illustrates ways the writer can say things without really saying them.
Consider these techniques:

• The writer compliments the college by acknowledging it is nationally recognized.


• He indicates a two-year stay at the college, to complete his associate degree. At
  the same time, he emphasizes his intent to fulfill requirements.


• He refers to a family business to stress his personal involvement in what the
  school offers.


• He clarifies that the curriculum requires hard work and emphasizes he is
  prepared to complete that work.

As a result of this writer’s brief response, the college personnel will see certain char-
acteristics they like. They want a student who plans to finish a degree, who comes
to work not to play, who is motivated, and who shows maturity and a sense of direc-
tion. This writer’s brief response shows all those characteristics.

definitions

You can find an entire section on definition papers in Part II [see Chapter 9, Defini-
tion]. Short-answer definitions contain certain specific characteristics that are quite
unlike those of a full-length essay.