Chapter 21 At Issue Questions

1. In paragraph 5 of his essay, Hoover cites a Pew Research Survey that asked college graduates about the main purpose of college: “Forty-seven percent said ‘to teach knowledge and skills that can be used in the workplace,’ 39 percent said ‘to help an individual grow personally and intellectually,’ and 12 percent said ‘both equally.’” How would you answer this question about the main purpose of college?

2. Murray bases his argument on the IQ, or “intelligence distribution” (para. 1), among the general population. What are the strengths and weaknesses of his focus on IQ?

3. Pharinet writes, “Once upon a time, college was a place you went when you wished to learn,” but now people go to “get a good job,” “appease” their parents, or find themselves (para. 6). Do you agree with her? If so, do you see this shift as a problem? If not, why not? Explain your reasoning.

1. After reading and thinking about the four essays in this casebook, do you think more people should be encouraged to attend college, or do you think some people should be discouraged from doing so? Do you see higher education as a “right” (and a necessity) for most, or even all citizens? Write an argumentative essay in which you answer these questions.

2. Pharinet says, “Motivating students to learn is the biggest challenge most educators face” (para. 5). Based on your own observations, what is the biggest challenge—or challenges—that most students face as they make their way through a postsecondary education?