Read both Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” as well as Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson”. During Monday’s class, we talked about African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and its significance within these stories and the US in general.
Consider these readings while you read your article of choice. Choose one of the readings listed out of Bad Ideas About Writing:
“There is One Correct Way of Writing and Speaking” pg. 82
“African American Language is not Good English” pg. 88
“Official American English is Best” pg. 93
After reading your article of choice, you will:
1. Write a paragraph of at least 100 of your own words summarizing what you read – what are the main ideas of the article? What did the author(s) want you to take away?
2. Write a paragraph of at least 150 words of your own “reader’s response” – What did you think about what you read? How did the reading connect to your own experiences? How can you connect your article to the readings from this week?
If you cite the text, be sure to include the page number as other students may want to look for the section you’re referring to.
In your replies, you should write a response to the post, followed by a question that will inquire the writer to think deeper about what they wrote. Your reply should be at least 50 words. Be sure to be kind but effective, and to comment on posts that do not have many comments if possible.
