What Are Friends for

Problems with this essay include excessive use of second person (“you,” “your”) and casual language.  Claims begin, not with the writer’s argument, but with the text author’s name; this should be avoided so that sentence ownership is complete. The essayist (student writer) uses the word “also,” which serves no purpose in creating a clear thought. Avoid using “also,” “still,” “even,” and “just,” unless use has an express purpose. A few of the paragraphs are lengthy compared to others, creating an unbalanced appearance. The conclusion is not well written and the essayist uses “Throughout her essay,” which is a phrase that should be avoided because it is inaccurate, inferring that in virtually every sentence, the author of the text did the act commented upon.

The Many Kinds of Friends

Marion Winik wrote “What are Friends For?” explaining her viewpoint on the many different kinds of friends she believes we all have. She expresses her thoughts on the qualities that all of these friends exhibit, and the affect they have on our lives. Marion gives thorough examples of all types of friends, both from definition and personal experience. She explains the impact these people have on her life, and how they define the person that she is. Winik believes that all friends play their vital role, and each hold a special bond and place in life. However, she makes false claims when explaining the characteristics that these friends exhibit, but makes false assumptions and over generalizes when explaining what qualities these friends must exhibit.

            Winik makes false assumptions when stating that a Buddy is someone who with always be there for you and support your decisions no matter what. Winik writes, “Buddies, for example are the workhorses of the friendship world, the people out there on the front lines, defending you from loneliness and boredom” (181). Winik is attempting to teach the reader that a buddy is there for you when needed, and is someone to keep you...