Doing Nothing Is Something

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Doing Nothing Is Something Persuasive Essay by
Anna Quindlen
Introducing the Persuasive Essay with Elements of
Nonfiction Argument Reading Skill Distinguish
Fact from Opinion Vocabulary in Context
VIDEO TRAILER
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INTRODUCING THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY
How should you spend your FREE TIME?
What is your typical day like?
School and homework must take up a lot of time.
If you have other commitments, such as a job,
sports practice, or family chores, then theres
probably not much room in your life for leisure.
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INTRODUCING THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY
How should you spend your FREE TIME?
In this essay, Anna Quindlen explores whether
young people have enough leisure time or are too
busy for their own good.
DISCUSS
Free Time
If you had more free time, how would you spend it?
1. Draw cartoons.
2. Take long walks.
Make a list of things you would door not do.
3.
Then discuss with a partner how you would benefit
from the extra free time.
4.
5.
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Click on the title to play the trailer.
Doing Nothing Is Something
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Argument
At the heart of every argument is a claim, the
writers position on an issue. To convince
readers that a claim is valid, a writer must
offer support, which may consist of
reasons that explain or justify an action, a
belief, or a decision
evidence in the form of facts, statistics,
examples, or the views of experts
Everyone should recycle as much as possible.
Earth is the only home we have, and humans are
responsible for taking care of it.
Everyone should recycle as much as possible.
There is very little room left in landfills, and
most forms of plastic and glass do not biodegrade.
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Argument
In Doing Nothing Is Something, Anna Quindlen
discusses a topic particular to contemporary U.S.
society.
Over the years, United States culture has
undergone a shift in the use of leisure time.
Quindlen claims that this shift in perspective
is detrimental to children and the adults they
will become.
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Argument
As you read, use a chart like the one shown to
help you identify Anna Quindlens claim and the
support she provides.
We need to allow children to have downtime in the
summer.
Claim
Evidence
Reason
Children are overscheduled.
A suburb set aside one night free of homework,
athletic practices, and after-school events.
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Distinguish Fact from Opinion
A fact is a statement that can be proved, such
as, Most U.S. households have Internet access.
An opinion is a statement of belief, such as I
think people rely too much on the Internet.
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Distinguish Fact from Opinion
I believe the citys mandatory spay-neuter law
was a good idea and will really help with the pet
overpopulation problem.
Appropriate education and local legislation are
needed to encourage responsible pet ownership and
help reduce pet overpopulation.
People often use words and phrases such as I
think, I believe, perhaps, and maybe to state
their opinionsbut not always.
To identify opinions that lack such telltale
words and phrases, remember that an opinion
cannot be proved at best, an opinion can only be
supported.
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contemptuous deficit hiatus laudable prestigious
The vocabulary words in the box on the right help
Quindlen make her point about free time. To see
how many words you know, match each vocabulary
word from the list with its synonym. Answers
appear in brackets.
1. prominent
2. shortfall
3. break
prestigious
deficit
hiatus
4. disdainful
5. praiseworthy
contemptuous
laudable
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contemptuous adj. scornful or disrespectful
deficit n. a shortfall or deficiency
hiatus n. a gap or break in continuity
laudable adj. worthy of high praise
prestigious adj. having a great reputation
highly respected