1.3.3

Any Questions?

Discussion Topic

Here's a chance to compare notes with the other students in your section, see what people found interesting, and help each other understand the material. Sometimes hearing another student's question makes you aware of something you're confused about, and answering a question for another student helps to clarify your understanding.

Your initial posting in this activity should be one of the following:

• Your description of one reading, activity, or idea from this unit you found interesting or surprising.
• A question about something that confuses you. Another student or your instructor will answer it. (Your instructor will monitor this discussion to make sure the answers posted are accurate. If you see an answer posted by another student that you're not sure is correct, post your concerns or ask your instructor about it.)

As a follow-up posting, consider answering a question posted by another student (if you're sure of what you're talking about!). Or, if you have a similar question, add to the existing question.

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first posting. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.

Discussion 1.2.6

What Is Your Writing Process?

Discussion Topic

Everyone gears up to write differently. Some people plan in advance and work on a paper a little at a time; others wait and begin the night before it's due. What's your writing process? In this discussion, you'll share your writing successes and challenges with your classmates. Post a paragraph or two that addresses one or more of the following questions:

• How formally do you follow a writing process?
• Do you usually follow all the steps of prewriting, writing, and revising?
• Do you find these steps helpful?
• What are your strengths as a writer?
• What areas do you think need improvement?
• Do you have any advice to share about how you interpret and write about literature?

In your follow-up posting, see if you can help out a classmate or two with some great writing advice!

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first posting. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.

Discussion 1.2.3

Discussion Topic

Before you participate in this discussion, read John Updike's story, "A & P," found on pages 177-181 of Short Fiction: An Anthology, pages 742-746 of The Story and Its Writer, 5th edition, on pages 781-785 of the 6th edition, or on pages 783-787 of the 7th edition.

click for your reading guide

Click your reading guide for helpful hints on reading this story.

Post a response to one or more of the questions below. As a follow up, post a response to a classmate's posting. Do you agree or disagree with your classmates' interpretations?

1. The first 11 paragraphs provide the exposition for the story. Why is the information gained about Sammy at the beginning of the story vital to the story's development?
2. From Sammy's language, what do you learn about him and his view of himself?
3. Updike violates rules of standard written English starting in the first line of the story, "In walks these three girls." From the misuse of the preposition, to the running together of adjectives, Updike abandons conventional English to establish, among other things, a conversational tone. What does this accomplish? Did this help entice you into the story, or not?
4. Why does Sammy quit his job with so little provocation? Is there any evidence he hates his job? Explain why you think Sammy quit his job, using direct quotations from the story.
5. Sammy's voice pulls readers into "A & P." How?

Hints & Tips

• Discussion activities in this course are somewhat more casual than written assignments, but you should still practice basic rules of composition. Use a thesis statement to help frame your answer, and include adequate evidence from the story to back up your assertions. Remember to proofread your answer before posting it.
• Do you prefer reading an essay or discussion question first, before reading the passage itself? Some students find it depends on the genre. Although they may like reading a prose passage first and then examining the question, some suggest they'd rather read the question before tackling a poem. Try it both ways to see which works best for you.
• Note: A & P is a huge grocery chain established in 1859 by the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company.

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first posting. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.

Discussion 1.1.3

Welcome to your first course discussion. This activity will give you an opportunity to meet your instructor and classmates. Post a paragraph or two about who you are, where you're from, and what hobbies or activities you're involved with. In addition, respond to one or more of the following questions:

• What do you like to read in your free time?
• Do you write poetry or short stories or keep a journal? Please explain.
• What makes a piece of literature most meaningful or memorable to you?
• Do you have any advice to share about something that has changed the way you read literature?

Scoring

This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first posting. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.