Writing Explanatory Text Unit Test
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Question
Alicia is writing an informative text on the topic of the Pack Horse Library initiative, a mobile library program created during the Great Depression. Alicia gathered the following facts from her initial research:
During the Great Depression, librarians rode on horseback into the Appalachian region of Kentucky and distributed reading material to the people otherwise isolated from schools and libraries. This program was called the Pack Horse Library initiative.
In 1936, packhorse librarians served 50,000 families and, by 1937, 155 public schools.
During the Great Depression, food, education, and jobs were scarce for people living in the Appalachian region of Kentucky.
In 1930, up to 31 percent of people in eastern Kentucky couldn’t read.
Electricity and highways in Kentucky were not as advanced as those in neighboring states.
Libraries for the Pack Horse program were housed in any facility that was available, from churches to post offices.
Librarians staffed these libraries, giving books to carriers who then rode their horses or mules and brought books to those living in the mountains.
Carriers rode out at least twice a month, with each route covering 100 to 120 miles a week.
Riders used their own horses and mules.
Riders earned $28 a month.
The books and magazines they carried usually came from outside donations.
Roads could be dangerous and impassable.
Health, strength, and reliability of the horses were a problem.
Some mountain families initially resisted the librarians, suspicious of outsiders/intruders.
1. How could Alicia organize these ideas for her report?
2. What headings could she use?
1. Alicia could organize these ideas for her report by grouping them into different categories or themes. For example, she could group together facts about the background and purpose of the Pack Horse Library initiative, facts about the librarians and their routes, facts about the conditions in the Appalachian region during the Great Depression, and facts about the challenges and obstacles faced by the initiative.
2. Alicia could use the following headings for her report:
- Introduction: The Pack Horse Library initiative during the Great Depression
- Background and Purpose of the Initiative
- Librarians and their Routes
- Conditions in the Appalachian Region during the Great Depression
- Challenges and Obstacles Faced by the Initiative
- Conclusion: Impact and Legacy of the Pack Horse Library initiative
Each heading would serve as a section in Alicia's report, focusing on specific aspects of the topic and organizing the information in a logical and coherent manner.
1. Alicia could organize these ideas for her report by grouping related information together and creating a logical flow of ideas. She could start by introducing the Pack Horse Library initiative and its purpose during the Great Depression. Then, she could discuss the challenges faced by people living in the Appalachian region, including the lack of food, education, and job opportunities, as well as the low literacy rates. Next, Alicia could focus on the logistics and operations of the Pack Horse Library program, such as the role of the librarians, the routes taken by the carriers, the use of horses and mules, and the funding and donation sources for the books and magazines. Finally, she could address the difficulties and resistance faced by the program, including the dangerous roads, health issues with the horses, and initial suspicions from some mountain families.
2. Possible headings for Alicia's report could include:
- Introduction to the Pack Horse Library Initiative
- Challenges Faced by Appalachian Communities during the Great Depression
- The Role of Packhorse Librarians
- Operations and Logistics of the Pack Horse Library Program
- Funding and Donations for Books and Magazines
- Challenges and Obstacles Faced by the Program
- Impact and Legacy of the Pack Horse Library Initiative
To organize the ideas for her report, Alicia could consider using the following steps:
1. Read through all the facts she has gathered.
2. Identify the main themes or categories that emerge from the facts. These themes could include:
- Purpose and concept of the Pack Horse Library initiative
- Impact and reach of the initiative
- Challenges faced by the librarians and carriers
- Community reception and resistance
- Funding and resources for the program
- Social and economic context of the Great Depression in Kentucky
For each of these categories, Alicia can generate potential headings to structure her report. Here are some suggestions for the headings she could use:
1. Introduction:
- Background of the Pack Horse Library initiative and its significance during the Great Depression
2. Purpose and Concept:
- Bringing reading materials to isolated communities
- Role of librarians and carriers in the initiative
3. Impact and Reach:
- Number of families and schools served
- Effects on literacy rates in eastern Kentucky
4. Challenges Faced:
- Scarce resources such as food, education, and jobs
- Limited infrastructure and communications in Kentucky
5. Library Facilities and Logistics:
- Locations used as libraries
- Frequency and distance of carrier routes
- Source of books and magazines
6. Carriers and Horses:
- Role and responsibilities of the carriers
- Use of personal horses and mules
- Challenges and risks faced by horses and riders
7. Community Reception:
- Initial suspicion and resistance from mountain families
- Overcoming barriers and building trust
8. Funding and Resources:
- Contribution of outside donations
- Financial compensation for carriers
9. Social and Economic Context:
- Impact of the Great Depression on the Appalachian region of Kentucky
- Comparison of infrastructure with neighboring states
By organizing her ideas using these headings, Alicia can provide a clear and structured report about the Pack Horse Library initiative during the Great Depression.