How can I help you today , Alice ?   Well , I came to talk to you because I want to apply for a scholarship .   Oh , good . You're an excellent student . I'd be very willing to help you with that .   Thanks . I really appreciate it.In fact , I do need a letter of recommendation for this scholarship .   What kind of scholarship is it ?   It's an undergraduate scholarship offered by the American Minority Students Scholarship Association . I'm eligible for it because I'm Asian American .   Fine . I know about that scholarship.You have to be a student in your junior year , and you have to have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher .   I'm a junior now , and my GPA is 3.92 .   Excellent . So you'll have a good chance of getting it .   Well , I hope so . The competition is probably pretty heavy.And they want a writing sample too .   Do you have an essay you want to send them ?   No , they want a special essay . I must write an essay on a particular question they pose .   What is the question ?   They give applicants a topic.The topic is , The Place of Ethnic Minorities in a Democratic Society.My essay must be three pages typed and double-spaced .   That's a pretty short essay .   Yes , but I need to write it by next week .   Good luck . I'm sure you will do a good job .   I came here today to talk to you because ... Well , I need to ask two favors .   Sure . What are they ?   First , I need a letter of recommendation .   I'd be happy to write one for you .   And second ... Well , I'm not sure if it's normal .   What is it ? Do you want me to read your essay ?   Yes , if you could . I mean , if you could read it to make sure there are no mistakes.Or maybe you'd have some suggestions .   Of course I could read it . That's no problem . But you need to get it to me soon . 