Teacher’s Note from Ms. Pate

Critical responses permit us to enter into conversations with great writers, wrestling with their ideas in a kind of exploratory dialogue. Check out Ryan’s response to the limitations of likeability, Noah’s dialogue with Alexander Chee on how fictionalizing yourself helps you to know yourself, Matti’s and Gray’s distinct explorations of environmental writing, Irene’s challenge to Michelle Alexander’s conception of resistance, Jay’s and Edward’s inquiry into Jia Tolentino’s exposé of incel culture, and Lizzy, Teddy, and E-Jun’s various treatments of Rabih Alameddine’s critique of diversity initiatives in publishing.

Not only are the ideas themselves engaging, but these essays are excellent models for authentic, analytical writing. Want to see ways to integrate evidence well? Would you like to see examples of students who warrant their claims, by providing clear connections between their claims, evidence, and reasoning? Are you wondering how analytical, critical responses can be grounded in personal connections? These essays are worth a read if any of these questions apply to you!