Enc1102 Module 6 Active Reading Exercises Readings Charles C
Enc1102module6active Reading Exercisereadingscharles C Manns State
Enc1102module6active Reading Exercisereadingscharles C Manns State
ENC1102 Module 6 Active Reading Exercise Readings Charles C. Mann’s “State of the Species” from The Best American Magazine Writing 2013. Maggie Paley’s “Terry Southern: The Art of Screenwriting, by Interview” from The Best American Magazine Writing 2013. Directions In this course, students have been asked to read and analyze various types of nonfiction prose. Answer the following question.
Submit the completed document to the appropriate submission drop box in the module folder. 1. Briefly discuss the most important point of each of these essays. Then, choose one of the essays and discuss how the author organizes information to support that point. Create a brief outline depicting the author’s organization of information.
2. Post a brief statement of what you consider to be the main thesis of each of the essays.
Paper For Above instruction
This paper provides an analysis of two essays, Charles C. Mann’s “State of the Species” and Maggie Paley’s “Terry Southern: The Art of Screenwriting, by Interview,” focusing on their main points and organizational strategies.
Introduction
The examination of nonfiction essays enhances critical reading skills and understanding of how authors construct persuasive and informative texts. This analysis investigates the core message of each essay and explores the structural organization used by one author to support their main point, alongside identifying the central thesis of both essays.
Main Points of the Essays
Charles C. Mann’s “State of the Species” grapples with the current state of human impact on the natural world, emphasizing how humans have become a dominant force shaping Earth's ecosystems. Mann underscores the importance of understanding our role as stewards and warns of the consequences of neglecting environmental responsibilities. His central argument revolves around the idea that recognizing the species' interconnectedness is crucial for sustainable coexistence.
Maggie Paley’s “Terry Southern: The Art of Screenwriting, by Interview” highlights the inventive and unconventional methods employed by Southern in his screenwriting, which challenged traditional Hollywood narratives. Paley’s key point emphasizes Southern’s unique voice and approach that contributed significantly to the evolution of American screenwriting, showcasing his influence in film history and literary style.
Organizational Strategy for “State of the Species”
Focusing on Mann’s essay, the author organizes information through a combination of historical context, scientific data, and case studies. The essay begins with an overview of human evolution and its impact on biodiversity. It then delves into specific examples, such as extinct species and environmental changes, using a chronological and thematic arrangement. This structure supports the main point that human civilization has dramatically altered the planet, and understanding this history is vital for future stewardship.
A brief outline of Mann’s organizational structure may look like this:
- Introduction: Human influence on Earth’s ecosystems
- Historical perspective: Evolution of human impact
- Case studies: Extinction and environmental degradation
- Scientific explanations: Interdependence of species
- Conclusion: Call for awareness and responsibility
Main Theses of the Essays
The main thesis of Mann’s essay is that human activity has profoundly transformed the planet, and recognizing our influence is essential for sustainable future interactions with the environment.
The main thesis of Paley’s essay is that Terry Southern fundamentally changed American screenwriting through his inventive style and willingness to defy conventions, influencing future generations of writers and filmmakers.
Conclusion
Both essays illuminate the significance of understanding our past and present actions—whether in environmental impact or creative innovation. Mann’s structural organization effectively supports his thesis by weaving scientific and historical narratives, while Paley’s focus on Southern’s methods underscores his importance as a creative innovator. Analyzing these essays enhances comprehension of how organization and thesis work together to communicate powerful messages.
References
Mann, C. C. (2013). State of the Species. The Best American Magazine Writing 2013.
Paley, M. (2013). Terry Southern: The Art of Screenwriting, by Interview. The Best American Magazine Writing 2013.
Klein, N. (2014). This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. Simon & Schuster.
McKibben, B. (2010). Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet. Times Books.
Holling, C. S., & Meffe, G. K. (1996). Command and control and the pathology of natural resource management. Conservation Biology, 10(2), 328-337.
Lahsen, M. (2007). Scientific expertise and political legitimacy: The case of climate engineering. Science and Engineering Ethics, 13(3), 379–395.
Huesemann, M. H., & Huesemann, J. A. (2011). Technical Note: Limits of Scientific Assessment: Why the Risks of Climate Engineering Are Too High to Allow Field Tests. SRI Publishing.
Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
Crutzen, P. J. (2002). Geology of mankind. Nature, 415(6867), 23.