The Work You Do, The Person You Are
Who taught Morrison an important lesson about work?
Her father.
Where does Adkison work in this essay? and what does he do?
At a restaurant, as a dishwasher
Who does Sasse think should encourage kids to work?
Parents and communities.
What main trend does the article discuss?
The steady decline in the number of teenagers holding summer jobs.
What question does Derek Thompson seek to answer in this article?
Why fewer American teenagers are working summer jobs.
What summer job does Morrison describe in this essay?
maid for a rich woman
Who helped Adkison start to enjoy his job?
His friendly and hardworking coworkers.
What problem does Sasse identify with modern American teens?
He says too many teens spend summers on screens or leisure instead of working
Why do some older workers take jobs that used to go to teens?
Because they need extra money or part-time work.
What kind of evidence does Thompson use?
Facts and statistics about teen employment.
How did Morrison feel about her job at first?
She thought it was boring and unimportant.
What specific moment signals Adkison’s change in attitude toward his work?
When he stops complaining and sees his name under prep instead of dishwashing
What persuasive technique does this author use in order to convince the reader of his claim?
anecdote
What were teens doing instead of going to work?
Teens spend more time preparing for college, leaving less time for paid work. Taking summer classes.
How does technology factor into this decline?
Teens spend more time online and on social media instead of seeking jobs.
What rhetorical strategy does Morrison use ?
She uses a pathos to illustrate a broader moral truth about identity and labor.
How does Adkison’s relationship with his coworkers influence his view of the job?
Their acceptance and humor help him see dishwashing as meaningful and communal, not just hard labor.
What was the job this author had as a teenager?
He shares his own childhood work experiences on a farm to show how work builds character.
How do modern teen summer activities differ from the past?
Teens now focus on internships, volunteering, or academics instead of hourly summer jobs.
What type of evidence does Thompson use to support his argument? Bonus points if you can name where it is from.
Logos, Employment statistics and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How does Morrison’s tone shift between her description of sweeping floors and her reflection on what that work meant later?
It shifts from frustration and embarrassment to pride and appreciation for the lesson learned.
What does Adkison ultimately learn from this experience?
He learns that hard work and belonging can come from unexpected places, and that effort builds pride.
Why does Sasse think summer jobs are good for teenagers?
They teach life skills that help kids become capable adults.
What economic factors contribute to fewer teen jobs?
Increased competition from older workers and automation in entry-level jobs.
What change in family life does Thompson say also affects teen employment?
Many teens’ parents now focus more on academics and safety, so they don’t push their kids to get summer jobs.