A NSWER KEYPART FIVE: READINGS FOR WRITINGAnswers are provided starting below for the comprehension questions, the structure/technique questions, and the discussion questions that follow each of the 21 reading selections. In addition, a suggested brief outline is provided for each reading selection. As explained on page 11 of this manual, the outline highlights the thesis of each selection and the main support for that thesis. Suggested Answers for “Thank You”—Alex HaleyNote: The numbers in parentheses refer to relevant paragraphs in the selection.Reading Comprehension Questions, 577-5781. c2. b3. a Answers b and c are too narrow; answer d is too broad.4. d Answers a and c are too narrow; answer b is an idea not mentioned in theselection.5. a Paragraph 16. c Paragraph 287. True Paragraph 148. a Paragraph 149. a Paragraph 2210. c Paragraph 12Structure and Technique,5791. Which pattern or patterns of development does Haley use in his essay? Explain.Answer: Much of “Thank You” is a narration of the story of Haley’s letters. As is usually the case with narration, that story also includes description (especially in paragraphs 1, 4, 19).However, Haley’s conclusion reveals that his essay is meant to be an argument for saying “thank you.” In paragraphs 28–30, he writes of encouraging students to say “thank you.”And to readers—of letters written on his stationery and of this reading—he addresses words that summarize his argument: “Find the good—and praise it.”2. Paragraph 4 contains a vivid description of part of Haley’s Thanksgiving night onthe Murzim. What sensory details (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and/or touch) does he provide?What is the effect of all these details?Answer:Haley provides details that appeal to three senses. First, he appeals to the sense of touch when he writes of the “great, deep draughts” he breathed in and the feeling in his feet of “vibrations from the deep-set, turbine diesels.” He appeals to the sense of sight with the images of the “white cook’s hat and the long apron” and of the movement of water “resistingthe skin of a ship.”And he appeals to the sense of hearing with the words “that slightly hissing sound the sea makes.”The effect of the descriptive details is a peaceful scene that sets the mood for Haley’s thoughts about Thanksgiving and the people he should thank.3. Most of Haley’s essay is about the three thank-you letters he wrote. Why do you think heincluded the anecdote about the helpful man at the airport? How is it related to his point about giving thanks?Answer:By including the anecdote about the helpful airline man, Haley shows that he feels it is important to give thanks to people in everyday situations, not just to our elders.This anecdote provides a transition from his first three letters of thanks (which apply only to the author) to his implied argument that we all should remember to thank others.4. Writers’most common purposes are to inform, to entertain, and to persuade. Whichpurpose—or purposes—do you think Haley has in mind?Answer:The information about Haley’s experiences and conclusions supports his central purpose, which is to persuade readers of the importance of giving thanks (28 and 30). Critical Reading and Discussion,5791. Before Haley decides to write to his loved ones, what series of thoughts and images goesthrough his mind as he reflects on the meaning of Thanksgiving? What is the connection between these traditional images and what Haley finally realizes?Answer:After having cooked dinner on the ship, Haley first thinks about “the historic . . .Pilgrims, Indians”and the foods typically associated with Thanksgiving (5). Yet this conventional imagery is inadequate, and Haley seeks a way to “personally apply” the holiday(6). He then thinks about giving thanks through prayer to God (6–7), but again feelsdissatisfied with this approach (8). Finally, Haley comes up with a more concrete and personal way to celebrate Thanksgiving: to thank the people in his life for all they have done for him (9). By going beyond the images of the holiday, Haley expands the traditional meaning of Thanksgiving to include a personal one.2. Alex Haley was far from home when he decided to thank the important people in his life. Ifhe had remained at home, do you think he would have still thanked these people? Why or why not?Answer:Answers will vary. Some students may say that Haley would probably have continued to take the important people in his life for granted if he had not been far away.They might reasonably argue that he needed time and distance to really appreciate what they had done for him.3. How does Haley feel about the three responses to his thank-you letters? What conclusionsabout human nature does he draw from these responses?Answer:All three letters left Haley “not only astounded, but more humbled than before” (20).The fact that his father was “moved” to answer his letter showed Haley how profoundly the thank-you letter had affected his father (22). By quoting parts of Reverend Nelson’s letter, Haley implies that it brought him great satisfaction to have given the Reverend “welcome reassurance that his career had been appreciated” (23). Grandma’s letter evoked tears from Haley, who is moved by the gratitude that would cause her to spend hours responding to him(24).The three responses reveal something almost “mystical in human nature,”which Haley identifies as the secret “yearning . . . for more of their fellows to express appreciation for their efforts” (25).4. Haley is a world-renowned writer. Who might have influenced his decision to be a writer?What made these people such powerful role models in his life? In general, what would you say are the qualities of a good role model?Answer: Answers may vary, although one reasonable response is that all three people Haley thanked—as well as the other four who had died (10)—helped shape the person he has become and therefore influenced his decision to be a writer. The father’s insistence on the value and beauty of reading probably influenced Haley most profoundly (14). But Haley is also indebted to Reverend Nelson and Grandma, who trained him to be a good and moral human being with positive aspirations.Answers to the final question may vary, but students might cite, as qualities of a good role model, integrity, persistence, resilience, sensitivity, compassion, and the like.Thesis-and-Support OutlineThesis: Writing thank-you letters taught the author the value of showing appreciation.1. His father was touched to learn that he had truly helped his own son (22).2. His school principal was reassured of his own self-worth as a result of an appreciative letter(23).3. His grandmother was just as grateful to him as he was to her (24).Suggested Answers for “Shame”—Dick GregoryNote: The numbers in parentheses refer to relevant paragraphs in the selection.Reading Comprehension Questions, 584-5851. a2. d3. b Answers a, c, and d are too narrow.4. a Answers b, c, and d are too narrow.5. c Paragraph 66. True Paragraph 237. a Paragraph 58. b The entire incident with the Community Chest Fund shows Richard’spride; see also paragraph 28.9. b Richard’s teacher ignores his problems and humiliates him in front of theentire class; see paragraphs 5 through 26.10. b Helene cries over Richard’s humiliation; see paragraph 23.Structure and Technique, 5851. In paragraphs 1 and 2, Gregory mentions several steps he took to impress Helene Tucker.What were they? Why does he include them in his essay?Answer:In order to impress Helene, Gregory brushed his hair, got a handkerchief, washed his socks and shirt every night, shoveled the snow off her walk, tried to make friends with her mother and aunts, and left money on her stoop. He describes those steps in detail because, besides demonstrating his devotion to Helene, they give a clear picture of Gregory’s poverty.2. A metaphor is a suggested comparison. What metaphor does Gregory use in paragraph 5, andwhat is its purpose? What metaphor does he use in the second sentence of paragraph 7, and what does it mean?Answer:In paragraph 5, Gregory uses the metaphor that he was pregnant to suggest the effects of poverty on him—it gave him strange tastes, which pregnant people get. It also filled him (as pregnancy fills someone), but with negative things: poverty, dirt, “smells that made people turn away,” and so on.In the second sentence of paragraph 7, Gregory uses the metaphor of a flying eagle to represent the movement of money. (A picture of an eagle is engraved on one side of a quarter).3. In narrating the incidents in the classroom and in the restaurant, Gregory chooses toprovide actual dialogue rather than merely to tell what happened. Why?Answer:By using the exact words spoken by Helene, the teacher, and himself, Gregory givesa very clear picture of what happened by allowing the reader to “experience” it, rather thansimply hear a general summary. The dialogue between Helene and the teacher shows Helene as an ideal little student who received approval from the teacher. The dialogue between Gregory and the teacher, however, clearly demonstrates Gregory’s eagerness to impress Helene and his unsuccessful, embarrassing attempt to gain the teacher’s approval. If Gregory had merely described what had happened, we would have a much less vivid impression of the characters involved.4. At the end of the essay, Gregory shifts his focus from the classroom to the scene involving the winoat the restaurant. What is the connection between this closing scene and the rest of the essay?Answer:In the body of the essay, Gregory is narrating a time that he was shamed publicly and no one came to his defense. In the closing scene, Gregory realizes that he has done the same thing—that he, too, has witnessed a person being shamed without assisting him. He feels a new kind of “shame,” that of having failed to help another man in need.Critical Reading and Discussion,5861. When Gregory writes, “I never learned hate at home, or shame. I had to go to school forthat” (paragraph 1), he is using irony—an inconsistency between what is expected and what actually occurs. What does he mean by these two statements? What is the effect of his irony?Answer:Gregory means that although his home life was one of poverty and want, his home was not a place of inhumane values, such as hatred and shame. But at school, which on its surface was a more positive place, he was made to feel hatred and shame. The ironic statement intrigues the reader and makes him or her want to know more about what Gregory means.2. What are Gregory’s feelings about his teacher? What were your feelings about her as you readthis essay? What could the teacher have done or said that would not have made Gregory feel ashamed?Answer:Gregory seems sad and resentful that the teacher did not understand why he misbehaved in class and that she assumed he was stupid and a troublemaker. But he also wanted her approval badly, as seen by the Community Chest incident and the fact that he gota “big thrill” out of being chosen to clean the blackboard. Students’ suggestions about theteacher will vary. One possibility: She could have merely thanked Gregory in class and then spoken to him privately later if she doubted that he could contribute to Community Chest.3. Gregory shows how a childhood incident taught him shame. What other important lessons does Gregory learn in this essay? Explain.Answer:From paragraph 3, in which Gregory talks about his accomplishments later in life, we can conclude that he learned he could boost his self-esteem through his own efforts.Paragraph 5 shows that from his own experiences, he learned that children who are hungry and poor may feel invisible and so behave in ways that attract attention. From his experience with the wino, he learned that in order to feel good about himself, he would have to start standing up for other people who were shamed.4. At the end of his essay, Gregory says, “I waited too long to help another man.” Why do youthink he waited so long to assist the wino? What are some reasons people do not always help others who are in need (for example, ignoring a homeless person seated on the sidewalk)?Answer:Gregory probably had many reasons for not helping the wino sooner: embarrassment at drawing attention to himself, reluctance to part with his hard-earned money, not wanting to get in trouble with Mr. Williams, not knowing the wino and thus feeling the affair wasn’t his business, etc. People have similar reasons for not helping others in need. In addition, people who ignore a homeless man may feel that the man’s problems—maybe including substance abuse or mental illness—are so big and deep-rooted that they are not qualified to help him in any effective way.Thesis-and-Support OutlineThesis:Living poor was, for the author, a humiliating experience.1. He was embarrassed in front of his classmates and, worse, in front of Helene Tucker(7-23).2. Everybody knew he was a “worthy boy” who had no Dad and no money (28).3. His self-pity prevented him from helping another poor man, the wino (29-37). Suggested Answers for “I Became Her Target”—Roger WilkinsNote: The numbers in parentheses refer to relevant paragraphs in the selection.Reading Comprehension Questions,589-5901. d2. a3. d Answers a and c are too broad; answer b is not supported by the selection.4. d Answers a, b, and c are too broad.5. d Paragraph 36. a Paragraph 67. b Paragraph 78. b Paragraph 29. c Paragraph 610. d Paragraph 11 (We know that Miss Bean had not intended to knock thepencil from his hand because she gasped when the pencil went flying.) Structure and Technique,5911. Which pattern of essay development—comparison, narration, or description—does Wilkinsuse in most of his essay? Explain.Answe r: Wilkins primarily uses narration. Although description is woven throughout, he is generally telling the story of his family’s move to Grand Rapids and a series of events that occurred there.2. Which kind of transition signal—addition, time, or space—does Wilkins use to move hisessay smoothly from one event to the next? Find at least four different words that are examples of this signal.Answe r: Wilkins uses time signals, including “before” (paragraph 2), “later” (7), “after,” (8), “final,”(11), and “afterward”(11). Time signals are often used in narratives to clarify the time relationships between events.3. In the first paragraph, Wilkins chooses to provide some historical background for his story.Why do you think he chose the specific details mentioned there? What might have been lost if these details had been excluded from the essay?Answe r: The historical events Wilkins lists provide helpful context for the story he is about to tell. By telling readers that he is writing about the World War II era, when the symbolic beginning of the civil rights movement was more than ten years away, he helps readers understand how unusual it was in those days for a single black student to enroll in a formerly all-white school. If Wilkins had not included the details and readers had assumed the story happened more recently, they would have been surprised to read of an all-white school where blacks were considered a novelty.4. A title can offer interesting insights into an essay, especially if the title acquires unexpectedmeanings. Before reading this essay, what did you think the title “I Became Her Target”might refer to? What additional meanings do you think Wilkins intended?Answe r: The first impression most readers are likely to get of the title is that someone “targeted”Wilkins in an unpleasant way, as in “targeted for criticism.”Wilkins’s real meaning seems to be twofold: that Miss Bean made him a “target” for her attention because she wanted to force other students to recognize him as a colleague, and later he became the literal “target” of the eraser she threw.Critical Reading and Discussion,5921. What does Wilkins mean by the term nonstandard person(paragraph 3)? Do you think helater felt more like a “standard” person? Why or why not?Answe r: At first, it seemed that “standard” in the Grand Rapids school could only mean white.As a nonwhite student, Wilkins was made to feel less than normal, adequate, or accepted. By saying in paragraph 11 that he became “just another kid in school,” Wilkins indicates that he came to feel more “standard.”2. Wilkins mentions several ways in which Miss Bean treated him differently from the way hewas treated by the other teachers at Creston. How did her approach differ from theirs? What does this approach reveal about Miss Bean—as a teacher and as a person?Answe r: Unlike Wilkins’s other teachers, who chose to ease him in by ignoring him for a while, Miss Bean made him talk in class immediately. She also asked him questions that required him to do his own thinking, not merely give the “correct”answer. Her approach reveals she was an effective teacher: she realized that if she did not take the lead, the otherstudents would isolate Wilkins. Also, she knew the value of encouraging students to think for themselves and express their own opinions. In addition, her approach reveals she was a sensitive person, concerned about Wilkins’s success in his new school.3. Wilkins says that initially he was Miss Bean’s “incipient teacher’s pet” (paragraph 6). Buthow did Miss Bean’s behavior toward him go beyond mere favoritism? In what way did her treatment of Wilkins affect how his peers regarded him?Answe r: Through her attention to Wilkins, Miss Bean was inviting him to demonstrate to the class that he was an intelligent, normal kid. By forcing him to give answers, to “clean up [another student’s] mess”and to present his opinions, she made it more likely that other students would see him as a person rather than as a “dark presence.”4. In paragraph 7, Wilkins says, “Miss Bean became the first teacher ever to require me tothink.” Prior to Miss Bean’s class, what do you suspect Wilkins—and his classmates—were being taught to do in school? Describe a teacher who gave you “the sense that thinking was part of education.” In your opinion, what can teachers do to get students to think?Answe r: Wilkins’s comment suggests that his other teachers had primarily required him to memorize material and parrot it back. Answers to the rest of the question will vary.Thesis-and-Support OutlineThesis: A teacher helped the first black student in school to be accepted and to learnto think for himself.1. As a black newcomer to an all-white school in a bigoted neighborhood before the era ofcivil rights, the author felt shame for being different (1-3).2. Miss Bean immediately began to give Wilkins “human dimensions” by including him inclass discussion (4-6).3. By requiring Wilkins to give his opinion on facts learned in class, Miss Bean showed him“that thinking was part of education”and that he could “form opinions that had some value” (7-10).4. By (accidentally) knocking a pencil from Wilkins’s hand with a tossed eraser, Miss Beanmade Wilkins “just another kid in school” (11).Suggested Answers for “The Ambivalence of Abortion”—Linda Bird Francke Note: The numbers in parentheses refer to relevant paragraphs in the selection.Reading Comprehension Questions, 596-5971. b2. d3. a Answer b gives an incorrect idea of how the author feels about the abortion;answers c and d are too narrow.4. c Answers a and d are too narrow; answer b does not reflect the author’sconfused feelings about the abortion.5. c Paragraph 66. False Paragraphs 4, 12, 207. d Paragraph 138. a Paragraph 39. c Paragraph 2710. True Paragraphs 5, 10Structure and Technique,597-5981. Which method of introduction—broad-to-narrow, anecdote, or questions—does Francke use?Why do you think she chose this way to begin her essay?Answer:Francke uses an anecdote, the story of how she and her husband decided she should have an abortion. By doing so, she immediately shows the reader that she is writing about something that is a very personal issue for her. In addition, the anecdote sets the tone of ambivalence of the piece (“Oh, how we tried to rationalize it that night”).2. A rhetorical question is one for which no answer is expected. In paragraph 14, Franckeposes an extended rhetorical question. What does she achieve by using this technique?Answer:While telling the reader what thoughts went through Francke’s mind before the abortion, the question also reveals a major source of her doubts: she has a great love and respect for all living things. Also, by framing these ideas in question form, she helps the reader better understand the ambivalence she felt.3. A simile is a figure of speech in which a writer compares one thing to another very differentthing, using the word like or as to bring out a surprising relationship between the two. In paragraph 19, Francke uses a simile when she writes that her baby “was sucked up like ashes after a cocktail party.” Why does she use this particular simile? What view of abortion does it suggest?Answer:The image of ashes being vacuumed up suggests an unimportant bit of trash being cleaned up. Francke uses it to suggest a casual view of abortion in which the fetus didn’t matter.4. Repetition is one way of emphasizing an idea. In the final sentences of her essay, Franckeemploys repetition when she writes, “‘Of course we have room,’I cry to the ghost. ‘Of course, we do.’” What is she emphasizing by repeating the words “of course”? Where does she use repetition in paragraph 3, and what is she emphasizing there?Answer:By repeating “Of course,” she emphasizes that she regrets the abortion and wishes she and her husband could have welcomed the child into their lives. In paragraph 3, she repeats the word “agreed”: “There just wasn’t room in our lives now for another baby. We both agreed. And agreed. And agreed.”This repetition emphasizes the difficulty of the decision, the struggle Francke and her husband had to endure to come to their agreement. Critical Reading and Discussion,5981. In what ways are the staff at Women’s Services considerate to Francke and to the otherpatients? In what ways are they not considerate?Answer:They are considerate in terms of the patients’need for quick efficiency—they do their jobs well. They are cheerful and polite. They are less considerate by not acknowledging the mixed feelings their patients may have been having. By telling one scared patient, “By this afternoon you’ll be dancing a jig,” the aide brushes aside the woman’s fear. They do not appear to offer the women an opportunity to have second thoughts and cancel the abortion 2. Not everyone in this essay responds to abortion in the same way. What different responsesare apparent in Francke’s essay? In your opinion, what are the reasons for these differences?Answer:Francke herself felt sad and confused about her abortion. Other women at the center seemed “dazed,”while others seemed unmoved, as if “they were going right back to Bloomingdale’s.” Students’ answers to the second question will vary.3. At the end of Francke’s essay, the question about whether she supports abortion stillremains. From your sense of the essay, do you think Francke is for or against abortion after having had one? Why?Answer:Students’ answers will vary.4. Francke emphasizes her ambivalence toward abortion throughout the essay. Do you thinkambivalence is a valid position, or is it an easy way to avoid a difficult question? In general, should people have straightforward answers to complex questions? Explain.Answer:Answers will vary.Thesis-and-Support OutlineThesis:Having an abortion was a complex decision the author sometimes regrets having made.1. She and her husband had difficulty rationalizing their decision (1-3).2. Her experiences at the Women’s Services clinic were physically and emotionally revolting(4-22).3. She sometimes sees the “ghost” of her unborn baby and seems to regret her choice (27).Suggested Answers for “Smash Thy Neighbor”—John McMurtryNote: The numbers in parentheses refer to relevant paragraphs in the selection.Reading Comprehension Questions,604-4051. c2. b3. a Answers b and c are too broad; answer d is too narrow.4. d Answers a and c are too narrow; answer b contradicts the author.5. c Paragraphs 5 through 86. b Paragraphs 9 and 107. a Paragraph 188. c Paragraph 149. b Paragraph 1810. dStructure and Technique,605-6061. McMurtry uses several patterns of development in his essay: comparison-contrast,cause-effect, description, narration, and argumentation. Where does he use each of those patterns?Answer:McMurtry uses comparison-contrast in paragraphs 5–8, where he compares football and war, and 9–10, where he contrasts his early joy in football with what the game became.He uses cause-effect in paragraphs 15 and 17–18, talking about the game’s effect and players and audience. Description is found in numerous places, such as paragraph 11, in which he describes his injuries. Narration occurs in in paragraph 2, where McMurtry tells the story of his injury and hospitalization. The entire piece is argumentation—everything the author says is meant to support his argument that football in its present state is too violent. In addition to supporting his case forcefully throughout, he uses two specific argumentation strategies: 1) in paragraph 15, he states an opposing view of football, and 2) he then rebuts that view in paragraphs 16–18.2. McMurtry uses terms such as “body wreckage,”“body shattering,”and “skilledmasochism”to describe organized football. Find three other phrases the author uses to describe football (beginning with paragraph 9). What effect does McMurtry hope this language will have on the reader?Answer:“Brutal circus,”“crippling bodily moves,”“joyless drill,”“people-smashing,”and “angry antagonism” are among the descriptive phrases McMurtry uses. He wants the reader to conclude that football in its present form causes too much harm.3. In paragraph 11, McMurtry provides a series of details about the injuries he has sustainedplaying football. List some of these details. Why do you think he includes these personal details in his essay?Answer:The details McMurtry provides include torn knee ligaments, broken nose, broken jaw, torn ankle ligaments, fractured ankle, fractured ribs, torn cartilage, dislocated fingers and toes, and dislocated shoulder. McMurtry includes such details to give a powerful picture of the toll football has taken on his body and also to show that he is writing about a topic with which he has had considerable experience.4. In “Smash Thy Neighbor,”McMurtry repeatedly describes his own personal experienceswith football. What do these anecdotes contribute to the essay? How do they relate to the larger point he is trying to make?Answer:The anecdotes make it clear that even a thoughtful, intelligent man like McMurtry could become so nearly irrational in his attitude towards football: that he would do things to his opponents that he never would in his other life; that he would play despite injuries that threatened his health; that he became vicious and inhumane. By sharing his own experiences, he makes a persuasive point that organized football has very negative effects.Critical Reading and Discussion,6061. What is McMurtry’s current profession? How might his present position have influenced hisopinions about football?Answer:In paragraph 1, McMurtry says he is a university philosophy teacher. As a scholar and philosopher, McMurtry has probably spent a good deal of time thinking about his former life as a professional athlete. As a philosopher, he would know the works of Aristotle (cited in paragraph 15) and be capable of seeing the difference between the role of stage tragedy and bloody athletic contests.2. The author makes a comparison between war and football. Do you think this is a faircomparison? Why or why not?Answer:Answers will vary.3. According to McMurtry, what qualities of our society are reflected in football? What is youropinion of his analysis?Answer:In paragraph 14, McMurtry cites a Harvard study that says such qualities as “impersonal acceptance of inflicted injury,”the devotion of “organizational goals,”the “ability to turn oneself on and off,” and the desire to win are prized by our society, especially in business. Students’ opinion of the analysis will vary.4. In paragraphs 15–18, McMurtry points out—and then refutes—the belief that football benefitssociety. Do you believe that football and sports in general are harmful or helpful to society?Explain.Answer:Answers will vary.Thesis-and-Support Outline。
