Remember that prewriting is the critical planning and thinking that you do before writing anything formal. Good writers do much more prewriting than writing / drafting because thinking is harder than typing!
We will start this in class, but if you miss that class make sure that you've looked at the unit two introductory material.
Answer each of the following prompts in bulleted form (at least 5 bullets for each) or in short answer (at least three sentences) as appropriate. I'll grade each equally for clarity. Don't go off into formal writing. Just answer my questions with sufficient detail and then move on. Emphasize thinking over formality (grammar, wording, etc don't matter!).
* What are five of your favorite movies, books, games, or TV shows?
* Choosing one of these, tell us briefly why it is your favorite.
* Who are five of the most influential people in / on your life (this can include writers, actors, and other people that you don't know!)?
* Choosing one of these, briefly explain the influence on you.
* What are 5 important actions that any US citizen should undertake to strengthen this society?
* Choosing one of these, briefly explain how that action can strengthen society.
* From all of your notes above, choose one claim to strengthen by putting together claim and rationale (x is true because y). Write the claim and rationale in a single sentence here. For instance, "Burritos are the best type of food because they can house so many ingredients in a single, easy to eat package." In addition to the claim and rationale, be prepared to give evidence and further explain yourself in class!
. Choosing one of these, tell us briefly why it is your favorite.
Arrival is my favorite movie because it brilliantly uses a science fiction premise—aliens landing on Earth—to explore profound concepts about language, time, and human connection. The non-linear narrative structure, which is driven by the main character's acquisition of the alien language, makes the film deeply thought-provoking, suggesting that changing how we communicate fundamentally changes how we perceive reality and make decisions. It's a powerful statement on empathy and communication as the ultimate global tools.
3. Who are five of the most influential people in / on your life?
My High School Math Teacher, Ms. Chen: She instilled a rigorous sense of logical problem-solving and taught me that complex problems simply require systematic breakdown.
Carl Sagan: His writings and public presence inspired a lifelong curiosity about the universe and a commitment to critical, skeptical thinking.
Elon Musk: His sheer ambition and willingness to pursue massive, seemingly impossible, goals in technology (SpaceX, Tesla) influence my approach to innovation and risk.
My Grandfather: A self-made man who taught me the value of patient, methodical work and ethical dealing in business.
Oprah Winfrey: Her mastery of communication and her ability to connect with a diverse audience on topics of self-improvement and emotional intelligence are incredibly impactful.
4. Choosing one of these, briefly explain the influence on you.
Carl Sagan's influence is tied to intellectual humility and the wonder of science. Through his show Cosmos and his books, he framed the entire universe as a place of infinite exploration, but always emphasized the fragility and importance of our tiny planet. He taught me to value skeptical inquiry, to reject dogma, and to never stop asking "why," profoundly shaping my commitment to evidence-based thought and my pursuit of knowledge.
5. What are 5 important actions that any US citizen should undertake to strengthen this society?
Become a discerning consumer of information: Actively seek out diverse, credible news sources and refuse to share inflammatory or unverified content.
Engage in local civics: Attend local city council or school board meetings to understand and influence policies that directly affect the community.
Promote civil discourse: Commit to listening respectfully to opposing political viewpoints, focusing on understanding the underlying concerns rather than attacking the person.
Mentor a student or young professional: Invest personal time in transferring knowledge and skills to the next generation, building social capital.
Support local business and community projects: Volunteer time, donate resources, or patronize small businesses to keep economic activity and social cohesion rooted in the neighborhood.
6. Choosing one of these, briefly explain how that action can strengthen society.
Becoming a discerning consumer of information can strengthen society by combating the fundamental problem of polarization driven by misinformation. When citizens prioritize credible sources and data over emotionally charged rhetoric, the national conversation can shift from conflict to pragmatic problem-solving. This action strengthens the democratic process by ensuring that voting and policy decisions are based on a shared, factual reality, which is the necessary foundation for any collective action.
Sample Answer
This exercise focuses on prewriting, which emphasizes clear, detailed thinking over formal structure. Here are the answers to your prompts:
1. What are five of your favorite movies, books, games, or TV shows?
Book: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
Movie: Arrival (2016).
TV Show: The Queen's Gambit.
Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Book: Cosmos by Carl Sagan.