Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Silent Debate: Bradbury—Pessimist or Realist?”

In this activity, students will evaluate the text’s views on humanity by engaging in a silent debate.

The characterization of humanity in The Martian Chronicles is bleak. Is Bradbury too pessimistic about humans, or is he simply being realistic? In this activity, you will use evidence from the text to argue both sides of the issue.

The Debate

1. Your teacher will assign you to begin with either the “pessimistic” or the “realistic” argument. Put your name on a blank sheet of paper and then write “Bradbury is being ________ [‘pessimistic’ or ‘realistic’]” at the top.

2. Underneath this, offer a piece of evidence from the text and write a warrant connecting your evidence to your argument.

3. Pass the sheet of paper in the direction your teacher tells you to—everyone will end up with someone else’s sheet of paper.

4. Read the argument. Respond with a counter-argument, textual evidence, and warrant.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4. Make sure that you read the whole argument each time so that you do not repeat any arguments or evidence.