1. Do a close textual analysis of the rhetorical devices in the chapter "The Curse of Akkad" from Field Notes from a Catastrophe. Discuss the implicit and explicit claims, reasons, and warrants as well as the use of ethos and pathos.

2. Research the controversies over the science in An Inconvenient Truth. Assess the accuracy and legitimacy of Gore's use of evidence to support his claims. You may want to start with the following links:

•  “From a Rapt Audience, a Call to Cool the Hype”

• “An Inconvenient Truth for Al Gore”

•  “The Moral Flaws of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth”

• Listen to or read NPR’s “Assessing the Art and Science of An Inconvenient Truth”

3. Choose an essay or else a chapter from a book we have not read for class that presents a definition argument about the phenomenon of global warming. Analyze the structure of the argument and the uses of ethos, pathos, and logos. You may choose to make comparisons to Gore or Kolbert's definitions, although the main focus should be on the text you choose. To find a text, you may want to refer to this global warming links page or see me for more ideas. The text you choose should be at least 3,000 words. Turn in a copy of it with your midterm.

A few suggestions for texts:

• The Pew Center on Global Climate Change overview
• "The Truth about Denial" -- A Newsweek article on climate skepticism
• "Our Changing Climate: Assessing the Risks to California"
• A chapter from The Rough Guide to Climate Change
• A section from the Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming

4. In the 1971 essay we read, "Doomsday Fears and Modern Life," Podhoretz critiqued those who prophesy doomsday scenarios. Do his criticisms apply to An Inconvenient Truth? What about Field Notes from a Catastrophe? Or would Podhoretz, in all intellectual honesty, be forced to admit that doomsday fears do have a more rational basis today? Choose either Gore or Kolbert and predict what Podhoretz's reaction to their definition of global warming would be, based solely on the views expressed in "Doomsday Fears."

5. Propose an alternate midterm topic based on the texts and/or themes of the class so far. Email me with your proposal by Tuesday, March 3.

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As you know, this will be an in-class essay. You are encouraged to bring a printed or handwritten outline with topic sentences, thesis, and supporting details already written out in full sentences. You can bring other notes as well. However, you may not bring with you any drafts of the essay. Here is a more specific rule: You may not bring anything with more than two sentences in a row that end up in your essay. You will turn in any materials you use on the test. Also, you will not have internet access or any other form of access to electronic data during the exam. All preparation materials must be printed or handwritten.

I encourage you to prepare for this exam as thoroughly as possible by revising your outline, by visiting the Writing Lab, and, if you are nervous about in-class writing, by giving yourself a practice test. I recommend practicing writing out the essay under time pressure at home. (You just can't bring that practice essay with you to the real exam.)

Grammar, word choice, and formatting do count for in-class essays. Do your best in the time you have. The more prepared you are, the more time you will have to proofread during the exam.

Good luck! See me with questions.