Chunk #3 Precis: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

In the 3rd chunk of Malcolm Gladwell's non-fiction text, "Outliers," he continues to explain the effect one's background and culture has on their level of success in life. For instance, those with parents that actually made their children do their school work and study tended to be more successful than those who parents were less involved. Asians are hard working people that consistently study and are actually willing to do their homework. Asians fully grasp the meaning of math because they actually try hard to understand the concept and they take more math classes. Asians also tend to be better at math than others because of their number system, their number system makes it easier for their students to count and calculate; for example instead of saying eleven and twelve they say ten-one and ten-two and instead of saying twenty-four they say two-tens-four. Many Asians are the outliers in our society because of their intensive study habits. Before explaining the lifestyles of the Asian, Gladwell states this quote, "No one who can rise before dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich." Basically this quote means the sacrifices that one makes when they are young will definitely pay off in the end.
Those who are outliers work hard to get where they are, yes some people are blessed with a quick mind which enables them to understand somethings faster, but they also study and practice their talent so that they can be the best. Some people have the intelligence to be an outlier in our society but their background can have an affect as to how far they will go in life. For instance the wealthy intelligent children have a better chance at being a big success than that poverty stricken Jew because sometimes it's not WHAT you know it's WHO you know.

Clarification Question: Why is at that Asians are so good in math?

Application Question: Now that you know hard work pays off would you actually try harder in school to make life easier for your future family?

Opinion Piece Precis #3: "Call Me!" by Joel Stein

Joel Stein's 2010 essay explains the lack of interest we have today in talking on the phone. Now a days many people don't like having to sit there with a phone up to their ear and pay close attention to what they have to say, they'd rather text or email because it can be done on their on time. Stein even admits when he's on the phone with someone and its their turn to talks he accomplishes some tasks in the mean while like washing dishes, look at new sites, and even files reciepts. But when Stein is talking, he expects his listener to be fully alret and attentive to what he has to say. These days people are to busy to just sit there and have a full blown conversation because they always have more important things to do, either that or they're just not interested in talking to that particular individual. One of Stein's friends says the inventions that were once wished upon when they were younger suck now, flying cars will block the light and moving sidewalks will make her hate fat people EVEN more. Stein even believes being on Skype (video chat) is rediculous because not only do you have to talk to that person but you also have to sit there and listen because they are watching your every move.

Application Question: Why would you rather text/email someone or than talk to that person on the phone? Or do you prefer talking than texting/emailing?

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1952314,00.html

Chunk #2 Precis: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

In the second chunk of Malcolm Gladwell's non-fiction text, "Outliers," he continues to examine the reason behind why some people are geniuses and end up being more successful than their peers. Gladwell explains these outliers successions through statistics, he used the study done by Annette Lareau. Lareau observed the everyday lifestyles of 12 third graders and their families from different ethnicity's, and economic backgrounds. It was noticed the children from middle-class and high-class families were greatly supported in their schooling and their extra-curricular activities than the children from the low-class families. Children from the wealthier families were taught how to speak up for themselves and realize they don't have to be mute just because they're in the presence of someone in high authority. The children from wealthier classes also had parents that were involved in their education, these parents took the initiative to make sure their child received the attention they needed in order to a success. For example a young girl didn't pass a test to be admitted into the gifted program so her mother talked to the teacher and other administrators and was able to get her daughter a retake in private; the girl passed the exam. Gladwell pointed out that some people are born with the gift of intelligence with the potential of being a genius, but a big role in allowing that person to be a big success is his/her culture in which he/she was brought up. Those with parents that were involved in their lives and were taught how to speak up for themselves tend to be the most successful ones, the outliers that could make a name for themselves.

Clarification Question: How can the environment or culture a child is born into determine whether he/she will be successful or not?

Application Question: Would you be involved in your child's education and interests or will you leave it up to your child's teachers/coaches/instructors because it's on their time (their time their problem)?