Level Up Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Dennis Ouyang struggled between two cultures. As an Asian American, his father believed in a strong, almost punishing work ethic and eating "bitterness," to build character. By this phrase, his father meant that his children will grow to adulthood possessing a good character and work ethic if they are not spoiled as children. But Dennis was in America and most of his classmates were not Asian.

1. Do you think a strong work ethic builds character? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.
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