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Understanding and Interpreting 5

1. How does Hogg build his ethos in the first two paragraphs of his piece? Why might he have
felt that he needed to do this? section one
2. In paragraph 3, Hogg describes the divisions between “tribes” in the United States. What does
he say causes these divisions, and what is his proposal for solving this?
3. What does Hogg mean when he says that he has to “show a human face” (par. 6), and why /
does he think this is so important for creating change?
4. Why might Hogg have used the quote by John Kennedy in paragraph 7? David Hogg
5. Reread paragraph 8 and explain what Hogg identifies as the challenges that he and his group
face in a democracy like that of the United States.
6. In paragraphs 11 and 12, Hogg describes the encounter with the group of people in Dallas.
What message is the reader expected to draw from that example?

Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure

1. Vocabulary in Context. In paragraph 3, Hogg writes, “There are deep culture chasms in the
country.” What does the word “chasm” mean in this context? What is a “chasm” in the natural
world, and how does that meaning relate to Hogg’s use of the word?
2. Skill Focus. Reread paragraphs 4 through 6 and think about how Hogg inserts himself and
his experiences into the argument. In what ways do these moments strengthen or weaken his
argument?
3. Why does Hogg use quotation marks around the word “leaders” in paragraph 2?
4. What does Hogg accomplish by writing “etc., etc., etc.” at the end of paragraph 4?
5. Look back at some of the word choices Hogg uses to describe his group’s gun control
proposals, such as “sensible solutions,” “our undeniable problem,” and “commonsense laws.”
How do these phrases reflect his position, and how might someone who disagrees with his
position react to these word choices?
6. Throughout his piece, Hogg has used “we” to refer to himself and his fellow students, but in
paragraph 7, he uses “we” a little differently. Describe this shift and its likely effect on readers.
7. At the end of paragraph 10, Hogg compares the fight he and his group are in to warfare. What
does he hope to accomplish with this analogy? Is it effective or not?
8. Why did Hogg repeat and put in italics “In Texas” in paragraph 11?
9. What is the effect of the single word paragraph that ends his essay?

Topics for Composing

1. Analysis. Explain why listening and generating dialogue are crucial when trying to create
lasting change, according to Hogg.
2. Argument. Consider Hogg’s statement that “Americans are more divided than ever before.
These divisions are exploited and encouraged by those at the top.” Do you agree or disagree?
Support your position with examples from your own experiences or from what you have read
or seen in the news.
3. Argument. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says, “A well-regulated
Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and
bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Using the Second Amendment as at least one piece of
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