Reading Question #4: Due Monday, March 30

Now that you've nearly or completely finished your novel, let's discuss its theme. Be careful, this reading question is four parts (ugh . . . Molnar . . . grrrrr)!  

a. What do you think is the theme of your novel? b. How is this theme achieved through the story's characters? c.  How is this theme achieved through the major conflict(s) in the story?  How does the resolution of the major conflict(s) help communicate theme? d. Finally, how is the theme conveyed through the author's use of language? Discuss a specific example of simile, metaphor, or imagery, and how it contributes to the author's central idea about life.   

Reading Question #3: Due this Saturday, March 21

Describe one of  your main character's external conflicts. What person, group, or force (for example, a storm) is he/she up against? How does this conflict seem to be affecting this main character? 

Also, describe one your main character's internal conflicts. What dilemma does the character have within himself/herself? (For example, maybe she is wondering whether or not to tell him that she loves him? Or, perhaps he is thinking about whether or not he should steal from his wealthy friend.) How does the character's decision making on this conflict affect the plot? 

Reading Question #2: Due this Saturday, March 14

How would you describe your main character?  Give 2 specific traits.  Why would you describe him or her in this way?  What do other characters or the narrator say that leads you to make this determination about the main character's personality? What does the character say about himself or herself that shows these traits? Are there any conflicts or actions, so far, that clearly display the main character's traits? Use at least two pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer. 

Reading Question #1: Due this Saturday March 7

How would you describe the TONE--the mood, attitude or emotion--of your novel so far?  How does the author achieve this tone? Through language? Through characters' dialogue? Through action? Is tone created some other way?  Use a specific example from the text to help explain your ideas. 

*$@#! . . . Another Break Assignment?!

Oh, don't worry lovelies, it's simple and fun! Here's how it works: 

• Pace your reading so that you'll finish your novel in one month.
• Every Monday in March I'll pose a question and you'll have until that Saturday to post an athletic, substantive response. 
• Each response is worth 10 points. 
• Answers should educate me on your book, and provoke discussion among your reading partners. 

Question 1: March 2 (Answers due March 7)

Question 2: March 9 (Answers due March 14)

Question 3: March 16 (Answers due March 21) 

Question 4: March 23 (Answers due March 28) 

Happy reading!!

Reading Question #3: "Global Realization"

Ok.  Everybody.  I see my last email wasn't an effective reminder. As you can see, only five of you posted an answer to reading question #2.  Sadness.  Disappointment.   

Let's not let this happen with reading question # 3!!  I'll issue reminders via phone calls to as many of you as possible. To receive full credit, you must respond by Sunday, October 26th. And if you haven't already, please respond to reading question #2. You can still receive partial credit. 

Here's your question. As always, give a substantive athletic answer: 

1. What is Schlosser's position in Chapter 10, "Global Realization"?  In other words, what do you think he trying to persuade you to believe about the global effects of fast food? Be sure to support your answer with evidence from the text. 

Reading Question #2: "What's in the Meat"

So . . . we just passed the halfway mark of our break, and what better way to mark but to exchange our scintillating ideas on another reading question!! Hey-oh!! 

Answers to reading question #1 were excellent: precise, thoughtful and passionate--I enjoyed each of your contributions. Also, unlike the previous chapters we've studied, everyone seemed to have strong, even angry responses to "the most dangerous job" and I'm glad. 

Now for another discussion. Please answer the following questions with the same athleticism that you did in the previous posts. Be careful to answer BOTH of them.  

Consider the following quote from chapter 9 : 

"The nation's industrialized and centralized system of food processing has created a whole new sort of outbreak, one that can potentially sicken millions of people." (195) 

1. Explain the significance of this quote and how it relates to Schlosser's position.  In other words, what "outbreak" is he talking about?  Be sure to include evidence from the text to support your answer. 

2. What is your reaction to this chapter? 

To receive full credit for your response, you have until 11:30pm this Sunday, October 12th.  And remember, be bold and sophisticated with your answers. 

 All the best, and enjoy the reading!