1. Before writing, carefully read the instructions for this entire assignment.
2. Compose your responses in a separate document.
3. Label and number the headings for each paragraph. (A1, A2, B, C1, C2, D1, D2)
4. Proofread your writing for spelling, grammar, and overall clarity.
A. Big Ideas
A1. Write a paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that identifies and explains one of the big ideas discussed by Thoreau in Walden. [20 points]
a. Clearly state this big idea in the paragraphs topic sentence.
b. Explain Thoreau’s reasons for taking this position.
c. Explain why this idea is important to Thoreau.
A2. Write a second paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that identifies and explains a second big idea discussed by Thoreau in Walden. [20 points]
a. Clearly state this second big idea in the paragraphs topic sentence.
b. Explain Thoreau’s reasons for taking this position.
c. Explain why this idea is important to Thoreau.
B. Primary Text
Select a specific passage (approximately 150-250 words) from the text of Thoreau’s Walden that functions as a kind of key to understanding the whole of Walden. You may choose any passage you believe meets this criterion.
a. Type out, word for word, the text of your key passage in full.
b. Use quotation marks and supply a page number in parentheses.
C. Analysis of Primary Text
C1. Write a paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that identifies the main idea of the key passage you selected from the primary text. [20 points]
a. Clearly state the main idea of your key passage in the paragraphs topic sentence.
b. Identify the reasons given in the passage in support of this main idea.
c. Include citations from your key passage that provide evidence for your argument. Use quotation marks and supply page numbers in parentheses.
C2. Write a second paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that explains why, in your view, the selected passage is a key to understanding the whole of Walden. [20 points]
a. Clearly state your reason for choosing this passage in the paragraphs topic sentence.
b. Explain how this key passage helps us to better understand the whole of Walden.
c. Connect your explanation to both of the big ideas identified in section A.
d. As needed, include citations from your key passage that provide evidence for your argument. Use quotation marks and supply page numbers in parentheses.
D. Pop Culture Comparison
Find an example from pop culturea scene from a movie or TV show, a song, a book, a commercial, a YouTube video, etc.that touches on the same topic as your cited key passage. Avoid generalities and try to choose a particular scene from a show or a particular set of lines from a song. (For example, you might choose a scene from a movie or TV show where someone wants to be alone and then compare that scene to Thoreau’s reasons for wanting to be alone.)
D1. Write a paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that describes your example from pop culture. [10 points]
a. Clearly identify your pop culture example in the paragraphs topic sentence.
b. Describe the relevant details associated with your example. The more specific you can be, the better. Focus on details that will be useful for your comparison.
D2. Write a second paragraph (approximately 150-250 words) that explains how your example is both similar to and different from what Thoreau says in your key passage. [10 points]
a. Clearly identify the main point of overlap between your pop culture example and your key passage in the paragraphs topic sentence.
b. Compare and contrast the details of the example with details from your key passage.
c. Include citations from your key passage that provide evidence for your argument. Use quotation marks and supply page numbers in parentheses.
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