Directions: Please read “Ban the Things.  Ban Them All” by Molly Ivins on page 376 of your textbook.  When you have finished reading the article, answer the following questions with at least 250 words per question.

1. Which of the following statements best represents the implied thesis of the essay?  Explain.

   1. The author is pro-knife.

   2. The Second Amendment is poorly understood.

   3. Despite arguments to the contrary, people without long training and discipline should not be allowed to have guns.

   4. In his novel Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton argues that power without discipline is wrecking society.

2. Which statement would best serve as a topic sentence for paragraphs 5 and 6?  Explain.

   1. Drug dealers should not be allowed to purchase assault rifles.

   2. Ivins is interested in other people’s points of view concerning gun ownership.

   3. Thomas Jefferson was opposed to the idea of a “well-regulated militia.”

   4. Applying the original intent of the Second Amendment to modern circumstances is not clear-cut and must be done with common sense.

3. In what ways, according to Ivins, is the knife preferable to the gun?  Is Ivins really “pro-knife,” or is she making some other point in her discussion of knives versus guns?

4. Ivin’s introduction consists of three very brief paragraphs.  Which statement best describes the style of her introduction?  Explain.

5. Which of these best describes the conclusion of “Ban the Things”?  Why?

   1. It makes a blunt recommendation.

   2. It asks a thought-provoking question.

   3. It narrates an anecdote about guns.

   4. It predicts what will happen if guns are not banned.