Friday, April 11, 2008

Communities / Parkour

Answer one of the following questions with at least one good paragraph:

1. What techniques does the author of "No Obstacles" use to make the article interesting to readers?

2. What characteristics do members of the parkour community share? How are these characteristics different from / similar to those of your community?

3. In the article "No Obstacles," Ryan Ford says that videos showing his sport don't show "true parkour." Why does he think this? What could a video do to "truly" show it?

4. Compare the 2 YouTube parkour videos to the article: what is similar/different about the information that each gives you?

Monday, March 10, 2008

Editorial Topic

Write three short paragraphs, the first explaining the topic you'll research and write about, the last two outlining the different sides of the argument surrounding your topic.

Questions you might answer: Was there an event that touched off the argument about your topic? Who are the key players? Is this an old argument? A new one? Why is it currently in the news?

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Tribe Fever / Proposal Argument

What solution would you propose, if any, to the controversy of the Cleveland Indians mascott? Explain why.

Sister Act / Narrative Argument

Explain how the author establishes credibility and uses the story as a way to represent a bigger problem.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Metrosexual / Definition Argument

What do you define as "metrosexual"? Does your definition match with the author's? If so, say why and how. If not, explain why you think differently.

Does the author make a valid argument? Why or why not?

Gray Wolf / Causal Argument

After reading "Let the Gray Wolf Roam Free" on pg 344, look at the "Methods of Finding Causes" on pg 129. Which method does the editorial use and why? Is it effective in this argument?

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

The Color of Mayhem

This piece originally appeared as an article in the NY Times. Do you find it to be as balanced and objective as most other newspaper articles? Give a couple of specific examples to support your answer.

Do you agree with the author's claims? How would you use your own experience playing these games to argue against his position?

**IMPORTANT** I might have the class meet in a computer classroom on Friday. I'll email you all if that's the case, so watch your inbox, and you can always email me with questions.