Chapter 2 Discussion + Seminar Writing

DUE DATES- ON TIME​​​​​​​

1. Poverty Seminar Written Response ROUGH DRAFT. DUE: Tuesday, 10/10, Start of Class. Google Classroom.
2. Interview Prep Work. DUE: Wednesday, 10/11, Start of Class (9:25 AM). Google Classroom.

DUE DATES- LATE (-10%)

1. Idea Fishing Part 2. LAST DAY TO TURN IN: Wednesday, 10/11, Start of Class (9:25 AM). Google Classroom.

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Starter 4 (Grayson)

• Do you agree or disagree with the statement that “the American welfare state is a leaky bucket” (8)? 
  • Why or why not? 
  • Use at least one example from the text. 
  • How does this connect back to previous readings?
• Split the class in half, agree and disagree
  • Have them talk amongst themselves and come up with their most compelling argument
  • Have one or two share out from each group

Framing: The chapter makes three main arguments about why poverty hasn’t changed in decades. This quote comes from one of those arguments but applies to all and to all other readings. By making students take a side and argue this point will require them to critically analyze the meaning behind the metaphor. 

Small Group Discussion Questions: (Grayson)
You get to choose your groups for now. If this discussion goes well, that will be the norm. If this goes poorly we will choose your discussion groups.

In your table groups, we need one person dedicated to being a notetaker, timekeeper, and a sharer. If there’s an extra they get to be a notetaker too. Spend 3 minutes on each question in discussion (keep this in check timekeeper). The sharer will be prepared to share your group’s consensus for two questions (including the a’s and b’s). Question 7 will be for the whole class. 
 

1. What are the three main arguments Desmond makes about why poverty hasn’t changed?
   1. Which argument made in the text for why the poverty line hasn’t wavered in decades do you find most compelling? Why?
2. How are the three causes for poverty argued in this chapter interrelated? 
3. How has government spending affected the poverty rate? 
   1. Use an example from the text to support your argument.
   2. How is this different in the USA vs other countries?
4. How would you describe the relationship between immigrants and the poverty line?
   1. Use an example from the text to support your argument.
   2. How is this different in the USA vs other countries?
5. What is the link between marriage and the prison system? 
   1. Use an example from the text to support your argument.
   2. How is this different in the USA vs other countries?
6. How does this chapter relate to the other readings you’ve done?
   1. Find three examples of their interrelationships.
7. What questions does this chapter raise about the nature of poverty in America?
   1. Come up with 3 questions.

Seminar Response Writing
Choose any of the seminar questions listed below, and write a 500-750 word response to the question.  

1. Make sure to quote and use evidence from at least one of the texts in each body paragraph.  
2. You should have, at the very least, an introduction (with a thesis statement in it), and 2 body paragraphs of argumentation.  You are NOT required to write a conclusion for this, though you can if you want!  
3. This should be organized in formal academic paragraphs, and proofread before you turn it in to me. 
4. The rubric I will be grading these on is here: 12th Writing Rubric

HONORS:  You have 500-1000  words. 

1. You are required to use both of the main texts for evidence.
2. You should be using more than one piece of evidence in each paragraph.
3. You should write an introduction, body paragraphs (at least two), and a conclusion.
4. The rubric you are graded on is here: 12th Honors Rubric

Essay Questions:

1. Why does poverty exist in America?  
2. What is a theme or connection that you can draw between the two main texts- Poverty, by America and “The Uses of The Poverty: The Poor Pay All”?
3. Desmond defines poverty as “a tight knot of social problems,” breaking with conventional definitions that focus only on low incomes. What are the implications of this view for how we view and deal with poverty? 
4. “America’s poverty is not for lack of resources. We lack something else.” What do we, as a country, and as a citizenry, lack in this context?  Think beyond the duh perspective…don’t just say empathy, get more concrete.
5. Of the different functions Gans argues the poor play, which seem most important to you?  Why?
6. Gans divides the functions the poor play into two categories- economic functions (1-4) and social functions (5-13).  Which of these categories do you think is more important?  Why?

​Writing Rubric
Read through the rubric.  

1. STAR skills that you feel super confident about
2. CHECK MARK next to skills that you need a brief review, but not a long review
3. CIRCLE things that you feel unprepared for

Google Form- Writing Instruction Priorities
Fill out the google form linked above to help me prioritize our review.

Flipping the Question → Thesis
Everyone complete this as we walk through this, and you should end up with a solid thesis statement. Use this to structure your analytical response (you will have time tomorrow to keep working on this).


Your Task- Outline and Write a Rough Draft
By TUESDAY when you come back, you should have an outline completed.  On Tuesday we will review a writing skill or two, and then your final draft will be due on FRIDAY at the start of class. USE THE WRITING RESOURCES on my DP!