Quiz - Boxing Lessons. By Gordon Marino, The New York Times Level 6

Transcription

1 ZINC READING LABS Quiz - Boxing Lessons By Gordon Marino, The New York Times Level 6 Q1. The author uses the phrase roll with the punches (paragraph 7, "And let's be...") primarily in order to suggest an alternate explanation for a conventional problem. demonstrate boxing's influence on our perception of the world. evaluate the ability of sports metaphors to illuminate truths about our lives. explain how philosophy and boxing can be taught in similar ways. Q2. In this article, Marino asks the reader to consider ethical principles. world religions. Western philosophy. Eastern philosophy. Q3. In paragraph 4 ( While different... ), the author likens impaired judgement to speculative risk-taking. knowledge of personal physical limitations to philosophical self-discovery. the self-understanding of the boxer to the arrogance of the philosopher. the courage necessary to box to the failure of pure philosophy to supply that courage. Q4. In the last paragraph, the author refers to monsters primarily in order to suggest that ancient philosophers understood the somatic roots of morality. one needs both moral and physical courage to be a good person. morality is as forceful as physicality. evil is the corruption of physical and moral strength.

2 Writing Prompt In this article, Marino argues in favor of the philosophical and moral importance of an activity, boxing, that many people feel is entirely unphilosophical, concerned only with physical strength and violence. How would you apply Marino's argument to another activity in your life that is not considered "deep" or "philosophical"?

3 ZINC READING LABS Quiz - Muhammad Ali Shaped My Life By Walter Mosley, The New York Times Level 3 Q1. According to the author, Muhammad Ali was "possibly the most recognizable face and name in the world" (paragraph 8, "Ali was ") because of all of the following EXCEPT [For your prediction, list a couple reasons why Ali was so recognizable. This will help you spot the detail that was NOT in the article.] the leadership he displayed in civil rights, anti-war, and class struggles. the impact his unique fighting style had on professional boxing. the way his public image exemplified strong, successful black masculinity. the way he inspired the author and other black writers to pursue their careers. Q2. What is the primary purpose of the anecdote in paragraph 3 ("I remember ")? To emphasize Ali s personal impact on a generation of young black men To reveal how the author first learned about Ali To criticize Ali for steering the Black Pride movement in an aggressive direction To emphasize the cultural shifts brought on by the civil rights movement Q3. What is the relationship between paragraph 2 ("The answer ") and paragraph 9 ("He believed ")? Paragraph 9 provides further evidence of the claim in paragraph 2 that Ali's charismatic style was an important part of his leadership. Paragraph 9 contradicts the claim in paragraph 2 that Ali's importance went far beyond his greatness at boxing. Paragraph 9 provides further support for the claim in paragraph 2 that Ali influenced generations of fans. Paragraph 9 supports the claim in paragraph 2 that Ali's flamboyant style made his leadership less effective.

4 Writing Prompt Walter Mosley portrays Muhammad Ali as a man who inspired a generation with his power and confidence. What celebrities have made a similar impact on you? What message do they stand for? How do their actions and words influence people or instigate change? Write about a public figure who has made an impression on you. Describe how they use their fame to make a positive contribution to society.

5 ZINC READING LABS Quiz - The Good Fight By, Level 6 Q1. Which of the following best describes the difference in genre between the two articles? [Remember, genre is a category of writing, like autobiography or science fiction.] "Boxing Lessons" is part of a philosophy textbook, while "Muhammad Ali Shaped My Life" is from a history textbook. "Boxing Lessons" is a personal narrative, while "Muhammad Ali Shaped My Life" is a news story. "Boxing Lessons" is an argumentative essay, while "Muhammad Ali Shaped My Life" is a personal essay. "Boxing Lessons" is a letter to the editor, while "Muhammad Ali Shaped My Life" is an excerpt from a forthcoming novel. Q2. Ali's stance against the war in Vietnam is an example of which virtue from "Boxing Lessons"? Showing kindness for other people and cultures Leading a moral life through acts of courage Taking pride in being on the right side of history Studying what's right and wrong in order to achieve intellectual excellence Q3. What statement from "Boxing Lessons" best describes a core belief of Muhammad Ali as he is portrayed in "Muhammad Ali Shaped My Life"? [For your prediction, write down a few words summarizing how Ali is characterized. This will help you spot a quote from the other article that fits that description.] " self-knowledge is of supreme importance." "The willingness to endure physical risks is not enough to guarantee uprightness " "The body is considered inseparable from the mind, and is regarded as a vehicle, rather than an impediment, to enlightenment." "Ultimately in our willingness to give up our lives we rise to a higher level of freedom and consciousness."

6 Writing Prompt