Hidden Intellectualism
What does it mean to be an intellectual?
Relating to the ability to think, understand, and use the mind or a person who dedicates their life to studying and working with complex ideas
According to the article, why can failure be valuable for students?
Failure can teach students how to learn from mistakes, adjust their approach, and persevere.
What is the overall purpose of the author's “10 rules”?
To provide advice and encouragement to students who may not have family or community expectations that prepare them for college.
What is a central idea?
The main idea or message an author develops throughout a text.
What idea do all three articles have in common about students and success?
Success requires students to actively engage in their own learning and growth rather than simply following a predetermined path.
According to Gerald Graff, what type of subjects did he and other young people naturally enjoy debating?
Subjects such as sports, cars, magazines, or other popular interests.
What attitude toward failure does the author encourage students to develop?
Students should see failure as part of learning rather than as proof that they are incapable of succeeding.
Why might attending college be especially challenging for students whose families did not attend college?
They may lack knowledge about the college system, expectations, resources, or experiences that students from college-educated families may already have.
What is the difference between a topic and a central idea?
A topic is what a text is about; a central idea is what the author says about that topic.
Which article most directly argues that students can learn from something they initially view as negative or unsuccessful?
Want to Get into College? Learn to Fail.
Why does Graff argue that students may be more willing to think critically about subjects they already care about?
They already have knowledge and opinions about those subjects, so they are more motivated to analyze, argue, and defend their ideas.
According to the author, how can failure help a student become more successful in college?
It can teach students to recognize what isn't working, seek help, change strategies, and keep trying.
What role does asking for help play in the author's advice? (What people/resources should they turn to?)
Students should seek help from professors, advisors, counselors, or other resources rather than trying to figure everything out alone.
What is an author's claim?
A position or argument the author makes about a topic.
How could the central idea of Hidden Intellectualism connect to the idea of failure in Want to Get into College? Learn to Fail?
Both suggest that learning does not always happen in traditional or expected ways. Students can develop through their interests, mistakes, and experiences.
How does Graff challenge the traditional definition of an “intellectual”?
He argues that being intellectual is not limited to enjoying books or academic subjects; people can demonstrate intellectual abilities through their everyday interests and debates.
What is the difference between failing at something and being a failure?
Failing at something is a temporary experience or result; being a failure treats that experience as a permanent judgment about a person's ability or worth.
What is one challenge the author discusses that goes beyond simply being academically prepared?
Students may have to navigate unfamiliar social, financial, emotional, or institutional challenges.
Why is evidence important when an author makes a claim?
Evidence supports the claim and helps convince the reader that the author's argument is valid.
How do Hidden Intellectualism and 10 Rules for Going to College When Nobody Really Expected You To both challenge assumptions about students?
Both challenge assumptions about what students are capable of and recognize that students may have abilities or potential that are not immediately obvious.
How could a teacher use Graff's argument in the classroom? Give a specific example.
Answers will vary. Students might connect academic concepts to sports, music, video games, social media, cars, etc., to encourage engagement and critical thinking.
How does the author's argument about failure challenge the way many students think about success?
It challenges the idea that successful people avoid failure and instead suggests that mistakes and setbacks can be necessary parts of growth.
What is the larger message behind the author's advice?
Students can succeed in college even when they don't have an obvious roadmap or strong expectations from others, but they need to be proactive and use available resources.
If you disagree with an author's argument, what should you use to support your disagreement?
Reasoning and specific evidence, such as examples from the text, personal experience, observations, or other credible information.
Imagine you had to create one central idea that connects all three articles. What would it be? Use ideas from at least two articles to support your answer.
Answers will vary. A strong answer should connect ideas such as self-directed learning, overcoming obstacles, recognizing one's potential, seeking opportunities, or learning from failure.