CSQT Cheat Sheet

Step 1: read the question carefully! Using one of the four articles we have studied in class, describe a political event or document that accurately parallels the main themes of “Harrison Bergeron.” Use at least two details from a recent/historical document AND at least two pieces of textual evidence for support.

This question has several parts: Using one of the four articles we have studied in class, describe a political event or document that accurately parallels the main themes of “Harrison Bergeron.” Use at least two details from a recent/historical document AND at least two pieces of textual evidence for support.

Choose the best article: Using one of the four articles we have studied in class, describe a political event or document that accurately parallels the main themes of “Harrison Bergeron.” Use at least two details from a recent/historical document AND at least two pieces of textual evidence for support. “The Chinese Cultural Revolution” “Vast Wasteland” “Bill of Rights” “Shocking Examples of How Political Correctness is Destroying America” Which one best relates to “Harrison Bergeron”?

Find the theme: What are some of the possible themes of “Harrison Bergeron”?

Find the theme, contd: “The Chinese Cultural Revolution” Dangers of too much power Equality “Vast Wasteland” People being too complicit Media influence/propaganda “Bill of Rights” Guaranteed equality for all Which rights are/should be guaranteed “Political Correctness” Dangers of big government Limits to freedom of speech

Now that you’ve chosen your article: The question asks for two pieces of evidence from each text that shows how the two have the same themes Pick out information from each text that shows they have the same theme.

Claim: Answer the question using a complete sentence. Avoid using “Yes” or “No” at the beginning of the sentence. Avoid using “I think” or “I believe”. Avoid using pronouns as replacements for nouns from the question. Be specific in your answer without giving away too much.

Check for understanding: which claim is best? I think the “Bill of Rights” and Harrison Bergeron are similar in theme. “The Chinese Cultural Revolution” best parallels “Harrison Bergeron’s” themes of government-enforced equality and rebellion. The best article is “Vast Wasteland” in how it parallels the story.

Set-Up: Made up of two sentences Sentence 1 - introducing the text and how you’re going to relate it to your claim Sentence 2 – the first part of it introduces the specific quote you’ll be using Example: Mao, the leader of the cultural revolution in China, is similar to Harrison Bergeron because they are both rebellious figures who believe they have the people’s best interests in mind. The author writes, “…”

Check for Understanding: Edit the following set-up so that it better introduces the quotation: Equality was crazy in China, like the story says, too. He writes, “Mao deliberately set out to create a cult for himself and to purge the Chinese Communist Party of anyone who did not fully support Mao.”

Quotation/Evidence: Direct textual evidence = quotations! The evidence comes directly after the set up sentence. Choose evidence that will effectively support your claim.

Check for Understanding: Which piece of evidence best supports our claim? “The Chinese Cultural Revolution” best parallels “Harrison Bergeron’s” themes of government-enforced equality and rebellion. Harrison and the ballerina started dancing around and then Diana Moon Glampers shot them. “The movement began in September 1965 when Lin Piao gave a speech.” “All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.”

Tie-in: Used to explain why you chose this quotation and how the quotation relates to your claim. Use at least two sentences to do so. When writing the tie-in, first try to explain why the quotation is useful in your own words. If you can’t, you may have a weak quotation.

Check for understanding: Does this set-up fully explain the importance of the quotation? “All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.” The Constitution has been amended and its new laws are protected by Diana Moon Glampers and the H-G men. Like Mao’s Red Guards, equality is enforced in the world of “Harrison Bergeron” by government officials. In this way, the theme of government- enforced equality is an important parallel between the two texts.

Putting it all together: “The Chinese Cultural Revolution” best parallels “Harrison Bergeron’s” themes of government-enforced equality and rebellion. Both stories contain examples of government-forced equality. To begin, the futuristic government of “Harrison Bergeron” (a short story written by Kurt Vonnegut) enforces equality through thinly-masked totalitarian control. Vonnegut writes, “All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General.” The Constitution has been amended and its new laws are protected by Diana Moon Glampers and the H-G men. Like Mao’s Red Guards, equality is enforced in the world of “Harrison Bergeron” by government officials. In this way, the theme of government- enforced equality is an important parallel between the two texts.

QUESTIONS?

Csqt practice: After reading “The Johnstown Flood,” do you think Gertrude’s miraculous survival is due to sheer luck, Gertrude’s own actions, or the actions of others? Use one piece of direct textual evidence for support. Use your Cheat Sheet notes for guidance. This is only one paragraph long, so choose the most relevant quotation and provide a thorough analysis!