- Choose one of the statements in Thinking Activity 5.1 (or come up with your own belief), and write a paragraph explaining that belief in detail. Pay careful attention to the language you use in stating your belief (always, usually, sometimes, rarely, never, etc.) and the explanation that follows.
- Think of a belief you hold that is different from one that is held by your parents, your spouse, or a close friend. Write a letter to that person or those people explaining your belief and the reasons you hold it.
- Choose one of the following stereotypes that you do not believe to be true and write a paragraph explaining why:
- African Americans are better athletes than people from other ethnic backgrounds.
- Men are supposed to “bring home the bacon” for their families.
- Americans are loud and obnoxious.
- There’s something wrong with a person who’s not married by age thirty.
- Asian American students are just naturally better students.
- People on welfare don’t want to work.
PART II
- Write three sentences that describe one of the places on the following list. Choose an animal or person typical of that place. Your three sentences should describe the actions of that animal or person, using specific verbs and nouns. Do not mention the place by name.
- Shopping mall
- Favorite park
- Favorite trail or walk
- Favorite restaurant
- Your family kitchen
- Student center at your school
- Now add words or additional sentences to your paragraph so that the sentences flow together smoothly. Be sure that you have not mentioned the place by name anywhere.
- Exchange your paragraph with someone. As you read over your partner’s paragraph try to guess what place she or he is describing. Is the description effective? Are there particular details that gave away the place? If you couldn’t guess the place, was the description accurate?
