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2992. The cost of housing is a primary concern for those living in poverty. What factors have contributed, aside from the %u201crote%u201d answers (par. 13) provided by experts, to the high cost of housing?3. What does Desmond mean when he says, %u201c[w]e need . . . policies that refuse to partner with poverty, policies that threaten its very survival%u201d (par. 23)? Identify some of the examples he argues would help accomplish this.4. Desmond recognizes the predatory nature of payday-lending institutions. How do paydaylending institutions perpetuate the cycle of poverty, and how can that system be remedied, according to Desmond?5. Desmond condemns the greed that has resulted in corporate and landlord profit, but he believes that they are not the only bearers of responsibility. According to Desmond, how do some %u201clucky%u201d people who have no involvement in property ownership, union busting, money lending, or policy writing still contribute to the problems that those who experience poverty endure (par. 29)?QUESTIONS Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure6. Vocabulary in Context. The word %u201csclerosis%u201d refers to the hardening of body tissue and is typically associated with a debilitating medical condition. In paragraph 23, Desmond uses it to characterize the fight against poverty in the United States. What does it mean in this context? Why is it an effective word choice here? You can go one step further and trace Desmond%u2019s figurative use of medical terminology throughout the rest of the passage.7. Considering the key context, what assumptions can you make about the audience? How does Desmond appeal to the audience to communicate his argument? How effective is his selection of these appeals?8. The article is divided into discernable sections organized by topics, but it does not include section titles. Find the places where the clearest topic shifts occur and draft appropriate labels for each block of content. Then, explain how Desmond%u2019s organization method establishes a specific persona and tone, ultimately supporting his argument.9. Desmond provides a great deal of evidence in this passage. Which piece of evidence is most compelling to you? Explain your answer by including text from the passage. Refer to Chapter 2 (p. 48) if you need a reminder of the different types of evidence.QUESTIONS Topics for Composing10. Argument. Desmond argues that %u201cthe secure, the insured, the housed, the college-educated%u201d also contribute to the exploitation, and thereby the impoverishment, of the poor (par. 29). To combat this, he recommends that they more meaningfully %u201cexpress solidarity%u201d with the poor in ways that could financially impact themselves (par. 31). To what extent do you support this idea? Use details from the text and your outside knowledge to support your response.11. Analysis. Although Desmond criticizes many American institutions in the passage, he also provides some solutions. Consider Desmond%u2019s various suggestions, and determine whether he effectively balances the two parts of the problem-solution method of development. It may be useful to consider rhetorical devices that add emphasis, including diction, figurative language, syntax, and tone.12. Research. Desmond identifies many of the problems that plague people experiencing poverty. Examine one of these problems, and research the possible ways that it could be alleviated. Consider multiple perspectives on the issue. Write a response or create a presentation that advocates for your suggested solution.5 Matthew DesmondCopyright %u00a9 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. For review purposes only. Not for redistribution.