Learning to Read- Malcolm X

Rhetorical Overview of the Article 1. What is the author's exigence? Why does the author feel the article/argument needs to be made? Malcolm Xs exigence is to let the world know that reading and writing are important. Both are very important when it comes to being successful. Malcolm feels this article is necessary to be made because people do not understand the significance of what reading can benefit one. It can open a whole new world to the one you are living in right now. 2a.What discourse community is the author speaking toward for the article? WHY do you think that? Provide textual evidence (e.g., specific language, tone, publication venue, etc.,). Malcolm X discourse community is a variety of people. He is not specifically speaking to a particular audience. His tone and voice throughout the article is somewhat monotone and does not change very much. 3. What is the author's thesis/argument/niche for the piece? If possible, quote specifically from the text In the street, I had been the most articulate hustler out there-I had commanded attention when I said something. But now, trying to write simple English, I not only wasnt articulate, I wasnt even functional. (354) Summary 1. Write a few sentences that summarizes this article in your own words; make sure to cover the main arguments AND conclusions. In Malcolm Xs article, Learning to Read, he explains the significance of reading is and how it can only benefit you. Unfortunately, Malcolm was in jail for a while. However, that was the best thing that could have ever happened to him because that is where he read daily and came up with the ideas he has today. One of Malcolms quotes that states his love for his jail time; In fact, prison enabled me to study far more intensively than I would have if my life had gone differently and I attended some college.(356) 2. Take the summary you just wrote and condense it into something tweetable, by which I mean a summary that is NO longer than 140 characters. Consider using the same conventions you would if tweeting, meaning abbreviations and informality in language. All children to read daily or else. 3. What hashtags (#) would you use for this article? Stated otherwise, what key terms would you provide to describe the content of this article? #kidsthesedays #MalcolmX #reading4LyFe Burkean Parlor/Intertextuality 1. In what ways does this author and/or the ideas in this article connect with, (dis)agree with, speak to or against I think you get the gist previous authors and their ideas that we have encountered in this class? Malcolm Xs article relates to Deborah Brandts article because Malcolm goes by Brandts literay sponsors. The books that Malcolm X read in jail are his literacy sponsors. These sponsors are what teach you the way of reading and writing. Personal Reflection 1. How can you apply the information in this article to your own writing process? First, consider the main ideas that the author addresses, then consider other elements, such as organization, style, etc. I can apply the information in this article to my own writing process because I know that I am not personally big on reading all the time. However, if it leads to more success in the future, why would I not? Malcolm X has a very interesting background story and it is rather touching which leads to the conclusion that everything happens for a reason and if Malcolm was never in jail, he would never have become the famous author he is today. 2. What is confusing about the article? What questions do you have after reading the article? This article was not confusing whatsoever, it was rather interesting. I liked how Malcolm used himself as an example. Great use of an anecdote I must say. It was one easy read and I enjoyed every bit of it.