Paragraphs 1 and 2: People like to make assumptions about a person based on lots of factors, like the kind of music you listen to or who you hang out with or your clothes. Once they make those assumptions, they assign labels to people that are often inaccurate; he’s a pothead or keener or dumb jock and she’s a goth or druggie or floater. Choose two of the following factors that people commonly consider to label a person and then answer the questions provided for EACH factor. Write about factor 1 in paragraph 1 and factor 2 in paragraph 2.

Question

appearance

Behaviour//personality

For each factor, answer the following questions:
How do these factors describe people?
What do these things say about who a person is?
How might others perceive a person based on these factors?
Is this an accurate assumption to make about people?

Paragraph #3: Write a final reflection paragraph that considers the following:
Have you ever been labelled? What happened?
What was that experience like for you?
Do you think labelling is okay? Why or why not?

Be sure to follow proper letter format, including addressing it at the top with “Dear Ms. Leung” and to sign off and date it! Only include information you are comfortable sharing! ☺

I will be looking for: sentence structure, spelling, grammar, detailed explanations, three paragraphs, and overall writing style.

The minimum required length for this assignment is one page typed and double spaced, but keep in mind that this is diagnostic. How much you write can also tell me a lot about you!

Answer 1

Dear Ms. Leung,

People often rely on appearance to label others, forming quick judgments based on how someone looks. This includes factors such as clothing, hairstyle, and overall grooming. For example, someone who dresses in bright colors and wears trendy accessories might be seen as outgoing and social, while a person in all black may be labeled as a goth or someone who is unapproachable. These surface-level observations can give the impression of who a person is, suggesting they have certain interests or personalities. However, such perceptions can lead to gross inaccuracies; a person who dresses in darker hues might simply prefer that style and not embody the stereotypes associated with it. Consequently, relying solely on appearance often results in misinterpretations as it overlooks the complexity of an individual's true character and experiences.

Another influential factor in labeling a person is their behavior or personality. Someone who is frequently outspoken and assertive may be labeled as a "leader" or "confident," while a quieter individual might be seen as shy or antisocial. These labels suggest that behavior can be indicative of a person's overall character and mindset. However, this oversimplification can lead to unfair assumptions; a quiet person may simply be thoughtful or reflective rather than introverted. On the other hand, someone who is boisterous may just be enthusiastic. When others encounter these behaviors, they often form preconceived notions without considering the context or underlying reasons for these behaviors. Using behavior alone as a yardstick often yields inaccurate assumptions about people's identities and capabilities.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I have certainly been labeled throughout my life, especially during my high school years. I recall being called “the nerd” because of my love for reading and academics. Initially, this label didn’t bother me; I was proud of my passions. However, as time went on, I noticed that this label led some to treat me differently, often assuming I wouldn't want to participate in social activities or that I couldn't enjoy sports. This experience made me realize that labeling can create barriers and misunderstandings among peers. While labels can sometimes foster a sense of identity or belonging, they can also pigeonhole individuals and limit their opportunities for connection or self-expression. I believe that labeling, in general, is not okay, as it often simplifies the richness of people's lives and experiences into mere stereotypes that can be harmful and misleading.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Date]