1. What is the main idea of Jeanne Allen’s commentary?

2. The purpose of an editorial/commentary is to explain, persuade, warn, criticize, entertain, praise or answer. What do you think is the purpose of Ms. Allen’s editorial? Explain your answer.

3. Tone is the attitude a writer takes towards his subject: the tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, ironic, inspiring, solemn, objective, cynical, optimistic, encouraging, critical, enthusiastic… Which word do you think best describes the tone of Jeanne Allen’s commentary? Explain your answer.

CHALLENGE: Ms. Allen concludes her commentary with, “This man who practically defines our understanding of the spirit of discovery is worth rediscovering, and worth teaching, with both truth and objectivity.”

Read SND's Daily News Article “Columbus in his own words” Do you agree with Ms. Allen’s assertion above? Explain your answer.