Just The Main Idea

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on the skill of paraphrasing, using a passage from “The Social Contract” by Jean-Jacques Rousseau as the source material. It features a dense philosophical argument about power and right, questioning the nature of strength, force, and duty. Students are asked to rewrite the passage in their own words, aiming to capture the original meaning without adding their own ideas. The task requires a deep understanding of Rousseau’s argument and the ability to express complex ideas more simply.

The worksheet is designed to enhance students’ comprehension and writing skills by practicing the technique of paraphrasing complex philosophical texts. It teaches students to distill intricate arguments into their fundamental essence and to articulate these insights in a clear, concise manner. This exercise also helps in developing critical thinking skills, as students must analyze and interpret Rousseau’s reasoning to effectively rephrase it. Furthermore, the activity serves as a tool for expanding vocabulary and improving syntactic flexibility, as students must find new ways to convey the original message.