Choose ONE of the following topics based on Elizabeth?s Kolbert The Sixth Extinction. Do not respond to the topic questions ?point by point.? Instead, develop a unifying thesis that you can develop fully in the course of your essay. (For information on writing your thesis, review Writing Analytically, 147-60 & 175-9.) Organize your points into an organic whole, and remember to use transitions that effectively connect your ideas. Avoid writing a summary in response to the topic; this essay requires textual analysis. Take notes as you work on your paper, so you will write a better cover letter. Before submission, check your paper to correct any sentence, grammar, or spelling errors. Use a handbook to help you.
1. Choose one of the following subjects.
? Panamanian golden frog ? Great auk ? Ammonites ? Coral reefs ? Brown bat ? Sumatran rhino ? Neanderthal What is the nature and condition of your subject? Make your analysis thorough, specific, and focused on the subject?s unique situation in time and place. In your discussion, assess the role of human activity and long-term consequences. Link your discussion to Kolbert?s central arguments in The Sixth Extinction.
2. According to Kolbert, this year (2106) scientists will vote on whether to designate a new epoch — beginning anywhere from the Industrial Revolution to post-WW II — called the ?Anthropocene,? in consequence of massive human interference that will affect our planet for millions of years. For this paper, review what human-driven changes Kolbert examines. Using evidence that she provides, analyze one of these human-driven changes, for instance its causes and motivations; then, evaluate and
respond to the strength of Kolbert?s conclusions.
3. As smart as humans are, we resist absorbing disruptive information. But, eventually, the crisis engendered by the disruption must force us toward recognition, i.e. a ?paradigm shift.? This pattern of resistance (to the point of tragedy) followed by accepting a new reality is a recurrent pattern even in literature. The pattern greets great scientific discoveries. (Remember when the earth was flat?) Based on your reading of The Sixth Extinction, what paradigm shift has the science that studies extinction brought about? Is it urgent for humans to embrace this paradigm shift?
Why or why not? Be specific.
