Neat People vs. Sloppy People
By Suzanne Britt
Honors English III Homework – 9/3/2015
I hope you enjoyed this essay. Carefully read the questions below.
Please make sure you are NEAT (Ha, get it?!?) and don’t forget to number the questions within the text.
1. What is Britt’s main argument/thesis? According to the Purdue OWL Writing Lab, “An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable
thesis or claim. In other words, the thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally
agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.” (What sentence tells the reader her point of view?) I’m cool with you
highlighting/circling this part– but make sure you number it!
2. In the essay there are several words you probably don’t know. Circle these words and write 2 SYNONYMS either ABOVE or next to the following words:
I’ve done this one for you --- Rectitude: goodness; integrity
• Stupendous
• Métier
• Corsage
• Excavation
• Scrupulous(ly)
• Cavalier
3. Britt claims, “Neat people will toy with the idea of throwing the children out of the house just to cut down on the clutter.” Highlight/circle this line and in the
margin. Write what is meant by this statement.
4. In paragraph 3, Britt uses repetition by repeating her sentences with “Someday.” Highlight the beginning of the sentences. What effect does this have on the
essay? You can write a couple words in the margin area. (For example, you might say that it is to entertain or persuade.)
5. What is the author’s purpose/reason for writing this piece?
6. What are three words that could be used to describe the tone of Britt’s essay?
7. In the last paragraph, how does Britt describe neat people? Again, you can highlight/circle this part – but make sure you number it!
8. In the space on the back of the essay, there is a blank space. In 4 or 5 sentences consider this: What type of person are you? Neat? Sloppy? Include any details
from the essay. Do you agree or disagree with Britt’s argument?