I feel that writing a brief summary or analysis of each paragraph furthers my ability to actively annotate.
The surrounding context of Yo-Yo Ma’s essay is that he a successful artist, giving him a great take on the role of art in science. The short biography in the beginning of the essay represents his merit in the world of science and art. It was published in 2014 which was after some of the awards that he has received. Although this was an assigned text to read, it was personal to me because I went to a semi-private high school that still involved the arts within education which proves to be very important according to Ma. It is important to me too and I believe that involving myself in the arts since I was young has made me a better critical thinker and over all connection maker. Ma creates a very specific scope in the very beginning along with a strong claim that “a lot of things are not working.” He uses this broad claim to his advantage as he talks about science as a whole and cultures all around the globe. This can help him then argue the importance of empathy in culture, education in schools all around, and overall, the effects of arts on the capacity of knowledge and thinking. He emphasizes how important all of this is with very strong claims that are clear in the way that they explain exactly what he believes.
Enlightenment: The ability to self-actualize, or be more aware.
Evolution: A gradual development or advancement.
Cellist: A person who plays the cello.
Great. I appreciate how you’re noting the writer’s overall choices–the overall rhetorical moves. I also appreciate your opinion that an education in the arts has helped to make you a more critical thinker. That’s fantastic!