'Explain why it is important for you to be able to say what you think. Include details that show how people form their opinions. Support your ideas with examples from 'Darkness At Noon' by Harold Krents and 'Homeless' by Anna Quindlen.'

I reallyyy need help with this assignment; can someone please give me some ideas?

Thanks
-MC

I have not read either of the stories mentioned.

Depending on the thoughts, it is important to test reality by sharing your thoughts with others. The others can then give you feedback about your thinking, either positive or negative. Positive feedback supports your ideas and feelings (e.g, "I agree"). Constructive negative feedback makes you aware of other ways of viewing the topics or situations (e.g., "Couldn't you also think about it in this way?").

Unfortunately, we often fail to share ideas because of the fear of destructive negative feedback (e.g, "That's stupid!" "You idiot!").

For example, if someone fails to acknowledge your greeting, your first thought is likely to be "I'm being snubbed." However, the person's attention might be focused elsewhere (being in a hurry or some personal problem) making it less likely that your greeting was noticed. Especially among older people, hearing or visual difficulties might be another possible explanation.

I hope this helps.

Certainly! To explain why it is important for you to be able to say what you think, you can start by discussing how people form their opinions. One way people form opinions is through personal experiences. Encourage the reader to think about moments in their own lives where they have formed an opinion based on their unique experiences.

For example, in "Darkness At Noon" by Harold Krents, the protagonist, Harold, who is blind, shares his personal experience and perspective on disability. Through his narrative, he challenges society's perception of disability and explains why it is important for him to be able to express his thoughts on the matter. His ability to speak up not only empowers him, but also challenges societal norms and stereotypes.

Another way people form opinions is through exposure to different perspectives. People often engage in dialogues, debates, or read diverse opinions to broaden their understanding of various topics.

In Anna Quindlen's article "Homeless," she explores the issue of homelessness and the perceptions surrounding it. Quindlen provides different perspectives by interviewing different individuals affected by homelessness. By including these varying viewpoints, she encourages readers to consider the complexity of the issue and to form their own opinions based on a more inclusive understanding of the topic.

Once you have discussed how people form their opinions, you can explain why it is important to be able to express those opinions. Discuss the importance of freedom of speech, which allows for the sharing of diverse perspectives and fosters healthy debates.

Additionally, being able to express one's thoughts and opinions can lead to personal growth and self-expression. It allows individuals to assert their identity and autonomy.

By referencing the examples from "Darkness At Noon" and "Homeless," you can illustrate the impact of being able to express one's thoughts. Harold's ability to speak up about disability challenges societal attitudes and empowers himself, while Quindlen's exploration of homelessness encourages readers to take a deeper look at the issue and form their own opinions.

Remember, the key to a successful essay is to analyze the examples and support your argument with evidence from the texts. Good luck with your assignment!