Pre-Socratic Think Piece”

A think piece is **one** well-developed paragraph that directly responds to the assigned writing prompt. Please read the syllabus and the “what is a think piece?” video/information for more details on how to write a think piece.

How big is the universe?”

Hints: Here are some questions to think about: What is “big?” If it means size – what does size mean? How do you measure “big?” What is the universe? What is in the universe? Finally, (and this will show you have read and thought about the required passages) what might some of the Pre-Socratics say about this?

What is a think piece?

You have read the syllabus. The syllabus provides this information:

Think Piece. These are 300-450 word responses to one or more particular questions about the reading. (1-1.5 typed pages in 11/12 point font with regular margins). Generally, at least 350-400 words will be needed to address the topic fully.

A think piece should be ONE well-written and well-developed paragraph and the question in from the writing prompt should be answered as directly as possible. Often, the very first sentence should directly address the writing prompt.

Think pieces must be written in academic language. Proper grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation must be used. No “texting” language should be used in academic work.

Do not repeat the writing prompt within the think piece.

The think piece is graded by using these four elements:

Rhetorical Sensitivity: This element has to do with the directness of the response, and if the question in the writing prompt is directly answered.

Content: This element involves the substance of the work, and if the content of the work provides sufficient evidence to answer the prompt.

Clarity: This element involves organization and structure, as well as the development of ideas.

Mechanics: This element involves proper spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence/paragraph construction.

The full rubric is located in Modules under “course resources.”

I provide some more details here: