Imperial Valley College Drive Book by Daniel Pink Book Report

Length: one- to two-pages

Format: MLA

Due Date: ____________

Score: ______ / 20 points

Objective: Summarize Daniel Pink’s book Drive chapters 2 and 2A, and then evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of his argument in a two-part response.

Directions:

Paragraph 1: Summary

Read and study Pink’s chapters 2 and 2A; then summarize Pink’s main ideas in these chapters where he discusses rewards and their effects. Consider what Pink describes as the “Sawyer effect”, the effect of known, unknown, and no rewards. When he says the “third drive”, he means intrinsic fulfillment, the first two motivators being reward and punishment. In these chapters, he is discussing the detrimental and beneficial outcomes rewards. Analyze what he points that he asserts regarding offering rewards.

A summary should be about half a page in length. A summary must be one unified, coherent, and organized paragraph. Analyze the piece being summarized and interpret the author’s main and supporting ideas.

Writing a Summary

Read carefully and at least twice.

Use a TAG (essay’s title, author’s name and genre of the reading), and explain the author’s thesis in the first sentence of your summary.

Interpret the meaning of the supporting points of the essay without repeating any content or retelling the essay. Throughout the summary, present the author’s other main ideas—put these into your own words.

Attribute each idea to the author throughout the summary.

In the last sentence of your summary, infer the author’s underlying purpose for writing the essay.

Omit references in your summary to the examples, rhetorical strategies, and supporting details that the author uses in his or her essay.

Use quotation marks if you quote any original wording (two or more key words); however, avoid using any direct quotations in a summary.

Do not give your opinion—Be objective

Paragraph 2: Evaluation

In your paper’s second paragraph, bridge from the summary to a point stating your opinion on the overall validity of Pink’s argument. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of her claims and how effectively does he support her claims with grounds. Consider whether he excavates her warrants sufficiently and if he provides backing for any of his warrants or if some warrants require backing. Examine his language for the use or necessity for modal qualifiers. Consider, too, if he addresses any rebuttals to his argument. Remember: Your task is to evaluate the quality of his argument not assert your own views on the topic. Hint: You need to read and study Ch.8 on Toulmin argumentation to be able to apply these terms.