1. Pg. 324 Between the Lines ELA 20-2
“Teenage Wasteland”
Pg. 324 Between the Lines ELA 20-2

2. discuss
What sorts of problems cause teenagers to fail and drop out of school?
Does the home have any role or responsibility in the process? Explain.

3. Donny and his parents
Why are Donny's parents concerned about him? How do they try to help their son? Why do their efforts fail? What else do you think Donny's parents might have done for him?
Give reasons for why Donny is the way he is. How does he see the world and his problems?
What do you think finally prompts Donny to run away? Does Donny have any responsibility for what eventually happens to him? What role do Donny’s parents play in his running away?

4. Cal
What are Cal's methods for handling troubled teenagers? Do they work for Donny? DO you agree with his methods? Why do you think Cal has chosen to be a tutor?
If you were Donny's tutor, would you have used a different approach from Cal's? Explain. If you were Donny’s parents, would you have continued to hire Cal as a tutor? Why or why not?
As a friend, what would you have advised Donny?

5. symbols
Analyze the following symbols and their relationship to the story:
the description of Donny in the first paragraph
the song "Teenage Wasteland"
the basketball reference in the last paragraph

6. “Teenage Wasteland”
Out here in the fields I fought for my meals I get my back into my living I don't need to fight To prove I'm right I don't need to be forgiven Don't cry Don't raise your eye It's only teenage wasteland
Sally, take my hand We'll travel south crossland Put out the fire Don't look past my shoulder The exodus is here The happy ones are near So let's get together Before we get much older Teenage wasteland It's only teenage wasteland Teenage wasteland Oh…yeah Teenage wasteland They're all wasted

7. How is each of these ironic?
Daisy's ignoring Amanda
Daisy and Matt sitting on the principal's couch like two bad children
the comment that Cal has considerable psychological training
Donny telling his parents they act like wardens
Cal's view that Donny needs more "rope“
Cal accusing Daisy of being controlling
Cal turning against Daisy
Cal criticizing the school

8. Cal accusing Daisy of being controlling
Daisy ignoring Amanda (daughter) Daisy has one daughter who is still ‘engaged’ in the relationship. Daisy completely forgoes her relationship with her daughter in order to salvage her relationship with her son. All the time, she will be losing her daughter. Daisy and Matt sitting on the principal's couch like two bad children They are taking on a childlike role – having to be talked to by the principal. Also...where is Matt and why is he not part of this meeting?
the comment that Cal has considerable psychological training He is spending his time controlling the parents and their actions and only partying with the kids.
Donny telling his parents they act like wardens It is the opposite. His parents have never taken charge of the situation. They have allowed other professionals, like Cal (tutor) and the principal to make pivotal decisions.
Cal's view that Donny needs more "rope“ Donny needs structure. When his mom was helping him and supervising his homework, his marks were improving. He was achieving success!
Cal accusing Daisy of being controlling
Who’s controlling who!? Often it is Cal who is controlling all of Daisy’s actions and Daisy allows it to happen.
Cal criticizing the school Pot calling the kettle black!?

9. "Life is more difficult for teenagers today than it was during my parents' teen years".
Write a personal persuasive essay (of at least five
paragraphs) that will support or disprove the above
statement. Remember that you need to provide details and examples to "prove" your position.
Pay attention to the format of an essay:
introduction - generalization, narrowed focus, thesis statement
body paragraphs (at least 3) - main idea, detail to "prove" main idea, commentary on the relevance of the supporting detail
conclusion - restatement of thesis, brief summary, universal appeal

10. N-E-X-T (body paragraphs)
New idea - answer the question and provide a statement of theme (thesis) for the paragraph
Evidence - provide evidence in the form of a strong quotation or paraphrase from the story to support your statement
eXplanation - explain how the detail you have chosen proves your thesis to be true
Transition - provide a transition from this paragraph to the next

11. pages , Communicate
The pages discuss how to write a persuasive essay and provide an example for you to study.