Engaging with the Text
1. How does David Ramsey ORGANIZE his text? Why do you think he chose to organize it in this way? What role do the I4 DINGS throughout the essay play in the organization? What is the source of those headings?
2. Ramsey notes that New Orleans natives often say to newcomers, "this is New Orleans." What does that phrase mean? How is it used in the essay?
3. This essay both narrates a first year teaching and reviews Lil Wayne' music. What is the PURPOSE of the essay? What are we meant to take away from it? How are Ramsey's students and Lil Wayne's lyrics related?
4. Throughout his essay, Ramsey inserts DIALOGUE. How does the dialogue function in this essay? Whom does he quote, and how is their role central to the essay?
5. For Writing. Select a favorite artist, and think about how that artist's work relates. Write an essay ANALYZING or REFLECTING on his or her work. Include images of the work. If you write about a musician and are writing online, add audio.