Write an essay in response to one of the following prompts.

Prompt 1:

The northern European Renaissance was a time of renewal of life and the rediscovery of art, literature, and learning. One of the noted humanists of the time was Thomas More, author of Utopia. Below is a list of key points from his famous work. Read these and write a persuasive essay explaining why you support or oppose his society.  

Key points from Thomas More’s Utopia:
1. Everyone must work for six hours, with the expectation that during their free time they       will attend lectures to aid in educating their mind and spirit.
2. All citizens are taught agricultural skills and a trade or profession.
3. There is no demonstration of excess, or ostentatious behavior. 
4. Clothing is durable and functional. Everyone wears similar clothing, with differences          only between men and women and between the married and unmarried.
5. The sick are cared for, and those with incurable or painful diseases may choose to be       put to death.
6. Criminals are made to be slaves.
7. Wars may be fought by neighboring barbarians, but Utopians rarely fight                           battles—instead, they assassinate generals.
8. There is complete religious tolerance.

Prompt 2:

In 1440 Johannes Gutenberg invented a mechanical process for printing. This new process started a mass media revolution. For the first time, written material could be mass-produced. Write an essay explaining how the invention of the printing press transformed the acquisition of knowledge.