Mapping Assignment: “How Does Our Language Shape the Way We Think?”
In this assignment, you will map out the main points of Lera Boroditsky’s article. You will use the notes from this assignment to structure your first major essay, so try to identify points accurately.
Introduction
In this section, you will take note of details that will be necessary to include in the introduction paragraph of your essay. Fill in each of the sections below:
Article title:
Author’s full name:
Details about the author that are important to help the reader recognize her credentials:
Central thesis (in other words, what is the MAIN argument Boroditsky makes in her article? This should be ONE sentence):
Body Paragraphs
In this section, you will map out the main points in Boroditsky’s article. I’ve provided cues for each point. Try your best to map them out in the same order in which Boroditsky’s discusses them.
Body Paragraph 1:
Look closely at the first 8 paragraphs of Boroditsky’s article to answer the following questions:
What does Boroditsky want to prove to the reader in her article? Write 2-3 sentences that explain her general views:
Does Boroditsky address the view of those who disagree with her claims? What do scholars on the other side of the debate believe?
How does Boroditsky respond to those who disagree?
Body Paragraph 2:
Boroditsky’s first major point is how language affects how we view ________. Fill in this blank with ONE word.
Summarize how Boroditsky’s illustrates this point in 3-4 sentences:
Body Paragraph 3:
Boroditsky’s second major point is how language affects how we view ________. Fill in this blank with ONE word.
Summarize how Boroditsky’s illustrates this point in 3-4 sentences:
Body Paragraph 4:
Boroditsky’s third major point is how language affects how we view ________. Fill in this blank with ONE word.
Summarize how Boroditsky’s illustrates this point in 3-4 sentences:
Body Paragraph 5:
Boroditsky’s second major point is how language affects how we view ________. Fill in this blank with ONE word.
Summarize how Boroditsky’s illustrates this point in 3-4 sentences:
HINT for Body Paragraphs 2-5: In the final paragraph of her article, Boroditsky lists her four main topics. If you can find that sentence, you will have the words you need to fill in the blanks above!
Conclusion
Write 2-3 sentences that sum up what Borodisky wants her readers to recognize or learn overall. One way to construct a strong conclusion is to look carefully at Boroditsky’s final paragraph. Make sure to put these ideas into your own words.