Quick-Writes

1. Quick-Writes (You’ll need paper and a writing utensil)

2. Instructions • You will be presented with a prompt. • You will be given 15-20 seconds to read and consider this prompt before responding. • You will then have 5 minutes to write in response to the prompt. • You must write the entire time. (If you don’t know what to write…) • Questions?

3. There are many factors that determine whether or not a student is likely to succeed in a difficult class. Explain at least three of these factors and your thoughts on each one. (15-20 Seconds)

4. There are many factors that determine whether or not a student is likely to succeed in a difficult class. Explain at least three of these factors and your thoughts on each one. WRITE! 5 Minutes!

6. Prompt #2 • Draw a line to separate your responses. • You will be presented with a prompt. • You will be given 15-20 seconds to read and consider this prompt before responding. • You will then have 5 minutes to write in response to the prompt. • You must write the entire time… • Questions?

7. What does it mean to be ‘smart’? Where does it come from and what does it mean for those who ‘have it’? What does it mean for those who don’t? Explain your responses. (15-20 Seconds)

8. What does it mean to be ‘smart’? Where does it come from and what does it mean for those who ‘have it’? What does it mean for those who don’t? Explain your responses. WRITE! 5 Minutes!

10. Before the last prompt, you will be given two documents to consider. • We will read them together, then you will discuss them in small groups before proceeding. • You are encouraged to use whatever resources are at your disposal (including my books and dictionaries or your own electronics if helpful) to help you understand and discuss the documents.

11. Document #1: Report of the Workingman’s Committee of Philadelphia On the State of Public Instruction in Pennsylvania (1830) “The original element of despotism is a monopoly on talent…”

12. Document #2: Horace Mann Pleads for Public Libraries “A library, even before it is read, will teach people that there is something more to be known.”

13. Prompt #3 • Draw a line to separate your responses. • You will be presented with a prompt related to the two documents you’ve just read. • You will be given 30 seconds to read and consider this prompt before responding. • You will then have 5 minutes to write in response to the prompt. You must write the entire time.

14. Prompt #3 • You should incorporate information from the documents AND your own ideas / information in your response. • When you refer to the documents in your writing— directly or indirectly—do so parenthetically and in the most efficient way possible. • Examples: “Because yadayada (Doc 1)…” or “One of the reasons was explained by Horace Mann (Doc 2) when he argued that…”

15. Prompt #3 • Questions?

16. In 2013 we tend to think of education primarily as a road to a decent job and maybe a little money and power (which, you know, sometimes it is). What are three other reasons education might be “important”—at least in theory? Explain each of your responses. (30 Seconds)

17. In 2013 we tend to think of education primarily as a road to a decent job and maybe a little money and power (which, you know, sometimes it is). What are three other reasons education might be “important”—at least in theory? Explain each of your responses. WRITE! 5 Minutes!

19. Make sure your name and the correct hour are clearly written at the top of your paper. If you have more than one page, put your name and hour at the same place on each page. • Pass papers forward.

20. Your Assignment • Locate and read the class syllabus posted at www.mrkoehn.info. Follow instructions on the syllabus. • If there are good reasons you are unable to access the class website, contact me at koehn.dallas@unionps.org or find me at an appropriate time during the school day.