NONFICTION CHOICE BOOK TRACKER
Directions: Use this tracker to document the progression of your author’s main argument presented over the course of the book. You will
be able to use this document for your argumentative choice book timed write. Please track at least 3-5 chapters at the beginning, middle,
and end of the book.
Chapter #:
2
The dominant argument of this
chapter:
The main purpose of this chapter is to
emphasize the strength that often comes
in the face of adversity. The author also
argues about the beauty that can be found
in unexpected places.
Key Evidence/Quote:
*Please jot down at least TWO per
chapter.
-
-
9
This chapter focuses on the intense
training regimen the boys were put
through, as well as arguing the importance
-
ANALYSIS: How does this chapter contribute to the
author’s overarching argument? How and why is it
significant in persuading the audience?
*Please respond in complete sentences. At least 3-5 to receive
full credit.
“The trick was to recognize a
good thing when you saw it, no
matter how odd or worthless it
might at first appear, no matter
who else might just walk away
and leave it behind,” (37).
This chapter, one of the first in the books, serves
to establish the most incredible qualities of Joe
Rantz: resilience and determination, especially in
the face of adversity. In spite of what he has gone
through at home, Joe is strong and adapts to his
circumstances, just as he goes on to do for the
Joe gets kicked out of his
rest of the book as he fights for his place in the
childhood home with his father,
Olympics. Even within the most challenging
step mom, and step siblings,
and has to start working just to circumstances, Rantz finds determination and
have a place to live, and foot to will power deep within himself, and he has the
eat
unique ability to find opportunities even in the
most challenging circumstances. His experience
as a young boy foreshadows the rest of the book,
illustrating how far perseverance will get you.
This chapter is moving in a persuasive way,
evoking an emotional response from the
audience.
“Back in February he had
commented to the Seattle
Times’s George Varnell that
Chapter 9 emphasizes the importance of
teamwork, both in and outside the boat, of a
of teamwork.
-
-
13
Similarly to chapter 2 and 9, this chapter
dives into the story of Bobby Moch,
arguing about the importance of trust and
rhythm in a boat, as well as how
perseverance can get you just about
anywhere.
-
-
‘there are more good individual
men on this year’s squad than
on any I have coached.’ The
fundamental problem lay in the
fact that he had felt compelled
to throw that word ‘individual’
into the sentence. There were
too many days when they
rowed not as crews but as
boatfuls of individuals,” (158).
“... they were going to row all
out every day, right from the
outset this year, weather be
damned. They were going to
work themselves into top
physical condition…” (149).
“Only then will the boat
continue to run, unchecked,
fluidly and gracefully between
pulls of the oars. Only then will
it feel as if the boat is a part of
each of them, moving as if on
its own. Only then does the
pain entirely give way to
exultation,” (161).
rowing crew. As the crew's coach noted the
individual struggles his oarsmen were facing, the
author points out the flaws that come with not
addressing the boat as a whole. This chapter
continues to further the themes of dedication and
its importance in achieving success.
“‘It doesn’t matter how many
times you get knocked down,’
he told his daughter. ‘What
matters is how many times you
get up,’”(233)
“‘Joe, when you really start
trusting those other boys, you
will feel a power at work
within you that is far beyond
anything you’ve ever
imagined,’” (235).
This chapter further emphasizes the significance
of trust and “swing” in the boat of rowers as they
prepare for the Olympics. Bobby Moch's quote
minds the reader of the way young Joe Rantz also
struggled, highlighting the importance of
perseverance despite adversity, and the resilience
needed in rowing. Additionally, Pocock’s advice to
Joe reminds Rantz, and the readers, of the power
of trust within the boat, suggesting that it can
unlock hidden potential. This chapter serves to
persuade the audience by comparing the lessons
learned in the boat house at University of
Washington with ones that can be applied to
situations in their own lives.