Discussion 7

1. Answer question 5 from page 170 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Young’s argument against code switching): “Young argues that asking black students to use a different language at school than they do at home is a form of racial segregation. Explain this argument.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. Answer question 2 from page 243 of Writing About Writing (at the end of Pasqualin’s narrative): “Earlier, we asked you to mark places where Pasqualin references other readings in this book. Go back to your markings and consider how he used those sources. What did he do with them? Why did he use them? How do they help introduce his own ideas? Are there any places where Pasqualin’s use of other sources seems like a stretch to you?”
3. Choose any other discussion question from the ends of the pieces Young and Pasqualin wrote, then answer it. Include the question with your response.
4. If applicable, describe some of your own experiences with “code switching” and/or “code meshing”? What feelings or associations come to mind when you reflect on these experiences?
5. Name one concept from this lesson that you most struggle(d) to understand. What about this concept, term, or idea is troublesome? What do you currently think it means, whether you feel certain or not?

Answer at least 3 questions with, at minimum, a 3-5 sentence paragraph. In-depth, thoughtful, and careful responses are encouraged. Be specific where possible. Label your answers so readers know which questions you are responding to.

When it’s time to respond to your peers’ answers, respond to at least two peers. Your responses should also contain a few sentences per question, at the least. Respond as completely as you can. One-word or generic responses are not appropriate here. Your responses should contribute something new to the conversation.

When responding to answers for the last question (troublesome concepts), please provide your understanding of the concept or idea that your peers struggle to understand. Perhaps the way you understand it (and thus communicate it) will be helpful for them. If you, too, struggle with that concept, let your classmate know they’re not alone. It may be that in discussing the issue together, you both come to understand the concept better.