Michael Pollans's "The Apple": notebook and group work

First, in your notebook (10 minutes)

1. Do you like apples? If so: name your favorite variety and describe it in detail. Try to use both descriptive language and metaphorical language to create a vivid sensory portrait of this variety. (If you like apples but don’t have a favorite variety, vividly describe in detail your Platonic ideal of an apple, flavor- and texture-wise.) If not, describe in as much detail as possible why not.
2. Look through the apple chapter and find:
• Two facts that were new to you and struck you as interesting or important
• One big idea or revelation that came from your reading this chapter
3. Think of a “coevolutionary” relationship you have with some plant or animal (see Pollan p. xiv in the “Introduction” photocopy if you need to be reminded what he means by “coevolution”).  Describe that relationship and the effect it has on your life. 

Then, in groups of two or three (6-8 minutes):

Share the new facts and revelations that you gleaned from the apple chapter

Look at the chapter and the photocopied sources page. What do you notice about the combination of different kinds of information Pollan blends, what he does with the information, and how he shares his sources in the notes? Try to come up with at least two specific observations. Each of you should write a concise summation of these observations in your notebook in your own words.