Question

how does migration or displacement impact individuals sense of belonging in their new environment?
what role do race, class, and gender play in a persons ability to achieve their dreams?
independent practice
name: zatara. s
the prompt: all of the members of the younger family seem to have different ideas on how to use the insurance check that is coming in the mail.
writing from either the perspective of walter or ruth, draft a brief, four - paragraph letter to mama explaining why she should take your suggestion for how to use the money, and not the other persons. your letter should accurately reflect what this character thinks mama should do with the money, based on what we have read so far in the play. be sure to include a counterclaim to make it clear why yours is the better idea.
topic:
buying a house for the family
opposing position

claim statement
its a more positive choice

introduction\tcontext:
\t\t
\t\t
\t\topposing position
\t\t
\t\t
\t\tclaim:
\t\t
\t\t
ms. herbert (aherbert@kippnyc.org)
ms. sy (dsy@kippnyc.org)
7

Answer:

To complete this assignment (writing a letter from Walter or Ruth to Mama about using the insurance check for buying a house), we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Character (e.g., Ruth)

Let's pick Ruth. Recall her concerns and desires from the play A Raisin in the Sun. She wants a stable home for the family, especially for the kids.

Step 2: Define the Opposing Position

In the play, Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor store. So the opposing position is: "Walter believes the insurance money should be used to invest in a liquor store business."

Step 3: Refine the Claim Statement

A more specific claim: "Buying a house is a more secure and family - centered choice than investing in a liquor store, as it provides stability, a safe environment for the children, and a lasting asset for our family’s future."

Step 4: Write the Introduction (Context, Opposing Position, Claim)

• Context: "Mama, as you know, the insurance check from Papa’s passing is soon to arrive, and our family is at a crossroads about how to use this money that could shape our future."
• Opposing Position: "Walter is set on using the money to invest in a liquor store, thinking it will bring us wealth quickly."
• Claim: "But I believe that using the money to buy a house for our family is the far better decision, as it offers stability, a safe home for the kids, and a lasting legacy that a risky business investment can’t provide."

Step 5: Write the Body Paragraphs (Reasons and Counterclaim)

• Reason 1 (Stability): "A house is a stable investment. Unlike a business that can fail, a home is a physical asset that will always be there for us. We’ve been cramped in this small apartment, and a new house would give us space to grow, to have a yard for Travis to play in, and to build a sense of community in a new neighborhood. It’s a foundation that we can rely on, not a risky venture that could leave us with nothing if the liquor store idea goes wrong."
• Counterclaim and Rebuttal: "Walter might say that a liquor store could make us rich, but the truth is, business is uncertain. There’s no guarantee that the store will succeed, and we could lose all the money. In contrast, a house is a sure thing. Even if the market fluctuates, we still have a place to call home, and over time, the value of the house is likely to increase, building equity for our family."
• Reason 2 (Family Well - being): "Our children’s well - being is at stake too. A new house in a better neighborhood would mean better schools for Travis, safer streets, and a better quality of life. The stress of living in a crowded apartment and worrying about Walter’s risky business would fade away. We’d have a place where we can all be happy and healthy, and that’s something a liquor store can never give us."

Step 6: Write the Conclusion

"Mama, I know Walter’s dreams are big, but they’re also risky. Buying a house is a dream too – a dream of stability, of a better life for our family, and of a future we can be certain of. Please, choose to buy a house with the insurance money. It’s the choice that will keep our family together, safe, and thriving for years to come."

If we were to summarize the key parts for the worksheet:

• Opposing Position: Walter wants to invest in a liquor store.
• Claim Statement: Buying a house is a more secure, family - centered choice than investing in a liquor store, providing stability, a safe environment for children, and a lasting asset.
• Introduction - Context: The insurance check is arriving, and the family is deciding how to use it.
• Introduction - Opposing Position: Walter wants to invest in a liquor store for quick wealth.
• Introduction - Claim: Buying a house is better as it offers stability, a safe home, and a lasting legacy.