Diversity Discussion and Synthesis Writing

How does diversity shape people's perspectives?

That's the question that was posed today in the honors class.  The responses were thoughtful and they varied from increasing acceptance to sparking creativity to encouraging ignorance.  While we didn't make connections to "All Summer in a Day" yet, you can bet those will be coming.

In order to enhance our discussion in class tomorrow, be thinking about the following prompts.  You do not need to write out responses, but you should make little notes on your story that will help you respond quickly in class tomorrow.

1) What do you think the title of Bradbury’s story means? Do you think it’s a good title? Why or why not?

2) How might this experience effect Margot and the children who mistreated her? Will they react more positively toward each other now or will the relationships be even more strained?

3) How does the setting of this story (including the weather) serve as a major plot

element? Would there be a story if Bradbury’s Venus had less extreme weather? Explain.

4) From what you know of her character based on her behavior throughout

the story, how do you think Margot will react when she is let out of the closet? Should

Bradbury have described what happens next, or do you like the story as it is? Explain.

5) There is a rain shower of metaphors throughout this story. Identify some and explain how Bradbury uses the metaphors? What does he convey with the metaphors?

6) Make a real world analogy for the children's reaction to the arrival and departure of the sun.

7) What is the central idea/theme of “All Summer in a Day” what message was Bradbury trying to get across?  

In the standard class we were working on synthesis writing.   You shared ideas on what should be included in your writings and the list was pretty solid.

1) Leads

2) Titles and authors

3) Clearly stated claims

4) Quotes for support

5) Cited quotes 

6) Explanations of those quotes and how they tie into your claim

7) Conclusions

I was impressed.  Now the real challenge will be if you are able to produce all of those things in a well written essay.  We tried today and will assess those short essays tomorrow.

Until next time...