Your task is to write an essay in which you develop your understanding of the reading you have chosen.

The following guides are intended to help you focus your response. Before you start writing, read the Instructions in Booklet 1 carefully.

READING 1

If you have chosen “The Shame of Hunger” to respond to, first think carefully about what you are going to do. Prepare a thesis statement which allows you to explore one of Weisel's central ideas. Organize supporting material (quotations from or references to the essay) for your argument. Indicate why you agree or disagree, or comment on what you consider to be the significance of what Weisel has to say.

READING 2

If you have chosen to write about “The Street That Got Mislaid,” decide what you think is Waddington's central idea. Can you justify your choice from the text? Organize your response around a thesis statement. By referring directly to the story, indicate how you have interpreted what Waddington is saying, or what might be its significance. You might also want to ask yourself if Waddington succeeds in his intentions.

READING 3

If you have chosen to develop your understanding of Baldwin's essay, indicate in your response what you think his main point is. Is it a position that you could agree with? Is it a position that you do not agree with? Alternatively, you could comment on what you think is the significance of Baldwin's argument. Whichever option you choose, develop a thesis statement and refer directly to “If Black English Isn't a Language, Then What Is?” to demonstrate your understanding of Balwin's argument in a structured response.