Reading and All That Jazz: Tuning Up Your Reading, Thinking, and Study Skills, 2/e

Peter Mather, Glendale Community College
Rita McCarthy, Glendale Community College

Determining the Author's Purpose

Journal

Determining an Author's Purpose

Reading Selection:

The Shepherd's Daughter, by William Saroyan


1		Do you know how to do what the narrator's grandmother would consider "good work" or "an honorable craft?" What is it, and why would the grandmother approve of it?



2		What do you think of the grandmother's philosophy, after reading about the prince and the shepherd's daughter?

In Your Own Words


3		What is the main idea of the story?



4		According to the grandmother, what kind of work is admirable? Would the grandmother think that the practice of law is honorable? Write the supporting details from the story that helped you answer this question.



5		What character in the fable has the same opinion toward work as the grandmother?



6		What is the significance of the ending of the fable?



7		What is meant by the last sentence of the story? How will the grandson earn the money for the materials to build a chair or bookshelf?

Written Assignment


8		Benjamin Franklin said, "He that hath a trade hath an estate." Compare Franklin's view with that of the grandmother and the shepherd's daughter

Reading Selection:

From a Melted Candy Bar to Microwaves, by Ira Flatow

In Your Own Words


9		What does the author admire about Spencer?



10		What is the author's main idea?



11		How was the timing of Spencer's discovery beneficial to the military?



12		What were the drawbacks of the original microwave oven?



13		Although Spencer lacked formal education, he was able to be a successful engineer. In the world today, how likely is it that a person without formal education could achieve success in a technical field?



14		What does context tell us about the meaning of the word "inquisitive" in the last sentence? In the fifth paragraph?

Reading Selection:

Students Who Push Burgers, by Walter Minot


15		Did you have a job while you were in high school? What are the pros and cons of working while in high school? Are there differences between working while in high school and college? Explain your position.

Your Own Words


16		Do you think parents today still support the notion that a student's only "job" should be going to school and getting good grades? Why or why not?



17		In grade school, most students are in class until 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Most high school students are dismissed much earlier than this. Do you think high schools should require students to spend more time at school?



18		What do parents hope a student will learn from work experience? What do you think students learn from work experience? Do you think it would be better for students with free time to do volunteer work or internships instead of working for a salary?



19		Many teachers report that the number of students trying to do their homework in class has increased over the years. The main idea from paragraph sixteen supports the observation of these teachers. Write the main idea below.



20		Many high school and college teachers comment that they no longer require the same amount of work from their students. For example, where once two research papers were required for English 101, now only one is required. What are some possible effects of these reduced standards?



21		It is well known that students in the United States spend less time in school than do students in any other modern industrial country. What are the global implications of being a nation of part-time students?

Written Assignment


22		Minot's main idea is that student employment is a major cause of educational decline in this country. Do you agree or disagree with Minot's viewpoint? Why or why not?

Reading Selection:

Letter to Olivia, by Mel Allen


23		If you have children, what challenges are involved for you, as a parent and college student?



24		If you aren't a parent, what other personal challenges do you face as well as your studies?

In Your Own Words


25		According to the article, what roadblocks did Smith encounter in his quest to get an education?



26		Why do you think the author goes into such descriptive detail of Wil Smith and his daily life with Olivia? What stereotypes of single fathers are being discredited by this article? Example: Single fathers put their own needs first.



27		After Wil asked for help, Bowdoin College provided services to enable him to be both a successful student and parent. What kind of services do you think school systems should provide to meet the needs of students who have family obligations?



28		Racial profiling occurs when police officers make use of racial characteristics to decide whether to stop or arrest a person. Does this article describe an incident involving racial profiling? Do you think police officers should be able to engage in racial profiling?

Written Assignment


29		New research reveals that children who have contact with involved, loving fathers are much less likely to suffer from low self-esteem, do poorly in school, become involved with drugs, or have behavioral disorders. What can be done to encourage single fathers to have more involvement with their children? Write a paragraph giving some concrete suggestions of your own on ways to accomplish this.

Written Assignment for other topics in Chapter 3


30		What kind of work gives you the most satisfaction? What kind of work do you find least rewarding? Write a paragraph discussing your answers.



31		Write a paragraph describing your job history. Explain why you liked or disliked your previous jobs. What did each of your previous jobs teach you about what you want to do as a future career?



32		Write a paragraph describing the difference between a "good" boss and a "bad" boss.



33		What kind of work do you want to do? Interview some people already active in the career of your choice. How do these people feel about their work? Write a paragraph discussing your findings.

2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.