Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Throughout the book, Gore intertwines his personal experience with a call for political action.

• How does Gore use this strategy to illustrate that, in relation to global warning, The Personal is Political? (topic sentence)
• Identify three examples in which Gore makes the Personal Political in his book.
• Do you find the book’s narrative style compelling? Why or why not?

2. One of the pervasive themes of the book is that climate change is a Moral Issue.

• How are morality and global warming linked for Gore? (topic sentence)
• Find three examples in which Gore touches on the link between morality and global warming.
• Is action on climate change perceived by politicians to be a moral imperative? Why or why not?

3. While identifying the grave dangers of global warming, Gore also identifies opportunities for technological advancement to curb climate change.

• Is global warming more of a Danger to society or an Opportunity for change? (topic sentence)
• Find three examples to substantiate your point.