Preparation Prompt:
Last time, we talked about how we get our building blocks of an argument (evidence, reason,
claim) from close reading the text. That’s always the first step to take when writing a paper, as
we’re still trying to figure out what we want to say! After that, however, it’s time to think about
exactly how we should put those pieces together.
Your preparation task for next week is as follows:
1. Watch the video posted to Canvas under the Writing Seminar module. For your
reference, there is also a corresponding handout in Google Drive containing the same
samples that are used in the video. You don’t have to do anything with this handout,
though you are welcome to use it for reference/practice if you like.
2. After watching the video, return to Google Drive. There are 4 documents, each one
randomly assigned to one of you. Each contains a different paragraph sample from an
academic work, and the same YouTube link to part of a Simpsons episode. Go into the
document with your name, and:
a. For the assigned paragraph, mark up what you believe to be claim, reason, and
evidence in that paragraph. Then map it out in the why should I agree? format:
Claim:
Reader says: Why should I agree?
Grounds:
Reader says: Why should I agree?
Grounds for grounds:
Reader says: Why should I agree?
Grounds for grounds for grounds:
Reader says: Why should I agree?
So on and so forth. If you are confused about something, feel free to make a
comment and say so!
You are only required to complete this for the document that you are assigned.
However, if you are interested, or if you would like more practice, you are also
welcome to comment only on others’ documents. I ask that you please leave the
marking up and mapping to the person who should be completing their own task.
b. The Simpsons cut is about 4 minutes long, and is a parody of Homer’s Odyssey.
After watching it, write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) with the following
prompt in mind:
What’s interesting about this reinterpretation of the Odyssey, and why?
Take special note of how your paragraph ties claim, reason, and evidence
together. You’re welcome to use only timestamps and scenes from this video, or
to also include quotes from the Odyssey if you like. Don’t overthink this – please
keep it short and concise!
3. After finishing the work on your document, read everyone’s documents before
seminar. For your assigned peer’s Simpsons Odyssey paragraph, create a why should
I agree? map. You will be asked to start a short discussion on their paragraph in seminar.