11/22

Warm-up: List 5 things that you remember learning about argument from Thank You for Arguing or your prior classes.

Classwork: Discuss Independent books in groups. Respond in writing (in your journal) to your prompt:

Into the Wild
In many ways, this book is about individualism. To what extent does Chris McCandless rebel against society? Is he a fool or an idealist, or both? Use plenty of specific support from the text to support your thesis. Direct quotations are not necessary. Use the word “although” to acknowledge the opposing argument.


Bird by Bird
“The great thing is to last and get your work done and see and hear and learn and understand; and write when there is something you know; and not before; and not too damned much after.” -Ernest Hemingway

Consider how the concept of writing what one understands and knows functions in Bird by Bird. Then, using Bird by Bird as your support, write a carefully reasoned essay that defends (supports), challenges (opposes or refutes), or qualifies (mostly yes or mostly no, but…) Hemingway’s statement about the relationship between writing and experience. Use specific examples from the book to develop your position. Direct quotations from the book are not necessary. Use the word “although” to acknowledge the opposing argument.


Nickel and Dimed
Ehrenreich, in her “Evaluation” chapter, addresses the American maxim that “if you work hard, you will succeed.” In her experience, she saw people working very hard and not even meeting a basic level of living. Do you agree or disagree, after reading this book, that hard work is a certainty for success? Use plenty of specific support from the text to support your thesis. Direct quotations are not necessary. Use the word “although” to acknowledge the opposing argument.


Being a Black Man
In “The Meaning of Work,” reporter David Finkel lays out the two most prevalent theories about why so many black men are unemployed. The first stresses cultural issues: fractured families, demeaning music, thuggishness as virtues. The second suggest the problem involves structural racism—employers are reluctant to hire black workers because “they don’t want to work,” “they come late and leave early,” or “they’ve got an attitude problem.” Why do you think some black men can have such a hard time finding work? Use plenty of specific support from the text to support your thesis. Direct quotations are not necessary. Use the word “although” to acknowledge the opposing argument.


The Other Wes Moore
“Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will – his personal responsibility in the realm of faith and morals.” –Albert Schweitzer
Do you agree or disagree with Schweitzer’s claim that people should be held responsible for their decisions in life despite environmental factors. Use plenty of specific support from the text to support your thesis. Direct quotations are not necessary. Use the word “although” to acknowledge the opposing argument.


Homework: Study terms A-D - quiz will be Tuesday 11/29. Learn them with examples, not just definitions.