Anna Mills, Instructor

An Inconvenient Truth Worksheet

This semester we will be studying the nature of arguments and the use of evidence within arguments.  We will also be studying concepts of audience, tone, and purpose as they apply to writing.  As you watch An Inconvenient Truth, think about the choices Al Gore has made about the way he presents his argument.  Consider why he made these choices and how successful they are, in your view.  Type up your answers to the following questions:

1.	According to An Inconvenient Truth, what is the link between Hurricane Katrina and global warming?
2.	According to the film, which U.S. states are particularly at risk of having coastal cities and other areas submerged under water?
3.	What are the “drunken trees” in Alaska and why are they “drunk”?
4.	According to Gore, “Old Habits + New Technology” equals what?  What does he mean?
5.	What was one place in the film where Gore criticized Republicans or Bush or “the current administration,” either explicitly or implicitly?  What was the criticism he made?  Did you think it fit in with the rest of the film?
6.	What evidence does Gore offer that scientists now agree that human-caused global warming is happening?
7.	What is the source he gives for this evidence?
8.	List two other pieces of evidence that Gore mentions to prove that global warming is a serious threat.  For each piece of evidence, list at least one source he gave for his information.  Did you feel you had enough reason to believe what he stated?  
9.	Was there a moment at which you doubted what Gore was saying?  Why?
10.	Which image stays in your mind most clearly from the film?  Why?
11.	Why do you think Gore chose to explain the science using cartoons?  What was the tone of the cartoon?  For example, was it scary, silly, angry, fun, or dry and factual?
12.	How well did the cartoon work for you as a way to explain the science of greenhouse gases?
13.	What possible solutions did Gore mention?
14.	How did Gore present himself?  Based on the film, how would you describe his personality?  Give at least one detail to show where you got this sense.
15.	Do you think a person with a different personality or a person of a different age or race or gender could have gotten the message across better?  Why or why not?
16.	Write down one joke Gore made in the film. Was it funny?  What point did it make, if any? Why do you think he put it in?