Reading homework

Directions: Carefully read the following question; then, write a response to it using quotes (if needed) from the text or from an outside source to support your answer and, where appropriate, use MLA formatting to give credit to resources that you have used. Note: this is an open book, take home test, and thus, your answers should reflect an academic style similar to how you write your “Out of Class Essays”. Your answers should be double spaced, times new roman, 12’ point font. Short Answer Prompt and Length: Most of my students generally write 1 ½ -2 full pages in length for each of the prompts below. Answer both questions, and as I have stated, imagine the prompts as an out of class essay, and thus, you should include a work cited page for the resources you used at the end of your reading test.

Again, answer both prompts below:

1.) In Josh Barro’s “Why Stealing Cars Went Out of Fashion”, the author reminds readers that what has declined or vanished from public notice or concern can be as vital and revealing as current, pressing, high-profile topics of controversy or public conversation. With Josh Barro’s prompt, you will be tasked to research. In our class, we usually relate the readings to real life examples and your job is to apply the skill by relating the reading to everyday life. Thus, your Question/Task is: Give an example of what used to be or is a pressing concern, whose topic of controversy is declining or vanishing from public conversation. What pressing topic or example do you find is relatable to Josh Barro’s essay? What vital, but declining conversation do you think needs to continue to hold the public’s attention and why?

2.) Compare and contrast the similarities of Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and Maggie Koerth-Baker’s “Why Rational People Buy into Conspiracy Theories”. What cultural or psychological need does the small-town commit to, to continue the ritual of scapegoating? What conspiracy or paranoia can you identify in Jackson’s “The Lottery”? Synthesize the two readings.