Create: Write an Analytical Paragraph Level one: Imagine that a friend asked, “What is that article about?” Write a paragraph in which you tell your friend all about the article How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball. Level two: Think about what you have learned about central ideas, development of ideas, word choice, and evidence. Explain how the article How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball helped you expand your understanding of a particular era in sports.

Answer 1

Level One: The article "How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball" discusses the groundbreaking impact of Jackie Robinson on the sport of baseball and society as a whole. It details Robinson's historic debut in the Major Leagues in 1947 as the first African American player in a time of rampant racial segregation. The article highlights the challenges he faced, including intense scrutiny, hostility from fans and players, and the weight of representing an entire race in a predominantly white sport. It also emphasizes Robinson's remarkable talent and resilience, which allowed him to excel on the field despite immense pressure. Beyond his performance, the article underscores how Robinson's courage and success paved the way for the integration of baseball, challenging the status quo and inspiring future generations of athletes, ultimately altering the landscape of American sports and contributing to the broader civil rights movement.

Level Two: Reading the article "How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball" significantly enhanced my understanding of racial dynamics in sports during the mid-20th century. The central idea reveals how Robinson's entry into the Major Leagues was not just a personal achievement but a pivotal moment in American history that symbolized the fight against racial segregation. The development of ideas throughout the article effectively illustrates the societal challenges of the era, demonstrating how Robinson's experiences reflected the broader struggles faced by African Americans. The author’s word choice, particularly in describing the hostility Robinson faced, evokes empathy and highlights the stakes involved in breaking the color barrier. Additionally, the evidence presented—ranging from statistics about Robinson's performance to accounts of his interactions with fans and teammates—deepens the reader’s appreciation of his significance beyond the baseball diamond. Overall, the article not only informs about Robinson's contributions to baseball but also serves as a lens through which to understand the larger civil rights context and the transformative power of sports as a platform for social change.