Writing practice: Thinking like a college writer

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This writing prompt gives you an opportunity to practice academic habits—curiosity, engagement, responsibility, and reflection. Spend time viewing the following image, a photograph by David Sacks. Since the photograph doesn’t speak for itself, you need to examine it closely to discover possible interpretations.

image
David Sacks, “Tororo School, Uganda.” Copyright © David Sacks Photography, 2004.

Use the space after each of the following questions to write brief responses.

Be curious. What details do you notice? What does or does not make sense? Brainstorm questions about the photograph, and then pose a possible interpretation.

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Click Submit after each text box to submit your answers to your instructor’s gradebook. You may review your answers by returning to this activity at any time. (An activity reports to the gradebook only if your instructor has assigned it.)

Be engaged. Discuss your questions and interpretation with two classmates. How are their questions and interpretations similar to or different from yours?

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Be responsible. Summarize the views and interpretations of your classmates. Have you stated their positions fairly?

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Be reflective. What did you learn from thinking about a photograph with several possible interpretations? What did you learn from listening to your classmates and engaging with their ideas?

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