Now that you’ve read and annotated the two texts in the graphic organizer, the next step is to do some thinking about them. Using your notes, answer the following questions to help get you started. Use your annotated texts for reference. When you are finished, check your understanding to see sample responses.

What is the main idea of the first text?
What is the purpose of the first text?
What does the author do in the first text to get you to understand his purpose?
What is the main idea of the second text?
What is the purpose of the second text?
What does this author do to get you understand her purpose?
Do the authors use the same methods to help you understand their purposes, or do they each do things differently?

Sample Responses:

The main idea of the first text is that sleep away summer camps help kids become more independent.
The purpose of the first text is to persuade readers that sleep-away camp is beneficial.
He begins by citing interviews with camp directors. Then, he tells why parents can’t build the same independence as living away from home can. Finally, he gives examples of how camp can make a kid more independent.
The main idea of the second text is that kids will develop self-esteem and confidence by taking part in a camping experience.
This text also attempts to persuade the reader that a camping experience is a good thing.
The author of this article also uses many examples of camping experiences to support her position.
Both authors provide examples of how summer camps can help kids develop confidence, but the author of the first text explains how camps can develop independence in a children better than their parents can.