Read the article Why bother? and answer the following questions: For Discussion and Writing 1. When Pollan

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Question:

Read the article “Why bother?” and answer the following questions:

For Discussion and Writing

1. When Pollan says, "Why bother?" what specifically is he asking us to consider doing? Why does he think it's hard for us to know whether this thing is worth doing?

2. Why do you think Pollan chose a title (and opening sentence) that begins from a negative place? Why bother implying from the stan that some will sec action as pointless? What sort of rhetorical move is this? Does he answer the question? Do you think the risk of starting the way he does pays off in the end?

3. Connections Compare Pollan's view of the current ecological state of the planet to Man Burdick's in "The Truth about Invasive Species" (p. 83). Can the two be compared? If not, why? If so, how would you characterize the differences? Do you agree more with one?

4. Pollan uses the phrase "going personally green" (par. 20). Write about your own personal greenness. Have you gone personally green? If so, how, why, and how do you feel about it? If not, why? Can you imagine yourself doing so? If not, is it because of personal beliefs or what Pollan calls "the split between what you think and what you do" (par. 26)?

5. looking further Regardless of your own beliefs, write a response to Pollan's essay that argues against it. Which of his points most need refuting to convincingly counter his argument? What positions do you want to steer clear of so as to avoid confirming Pollan's criticisms of his opponents?