White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Discuss the concept of white privilege as presented by Peggy McIntosh in her essay “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.”

• Begin by explaining what white privilege is, according to McIntosh. (topic sentence)
• Provide examples from the text that McIntosh uses to illustrate white privilege.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, reflect on the impact of white privilege on society.

2. Reflect on McIntosh’s argument that white privilege is often invisible to those who possess it.

• Summarize McIntosh’s argument about the invisibility of white privilege. (topic sentence)
• Discuss the examples McIntosh provides to support this argument.
• In your conclusion, consider the implications of this invisibility for addressing white privilege and promoting social equality.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by textual details, and a conclusion.

1. Reflect on your own understanding and experiences of privilege in light of McIntosh’s essay. How does McIntosh’s discussion of white privilege challenge or confirm your understanding of this concept? Can you identify examples of privilege in your own life or community? If so, how do these examples relate to the ones McIntosh provides? As you compose your essay, incorporate at least three quoted phrases from the essay that strengthen your points of discussion.

2. Evaluate McIntosh’s suggestions for addressing white privilege. How do these suggestions relate to the examples and arguments she presents in her essay? What potential challenges or limitations might these suggestions face, and how might they be overcome? As you compose your essay, incorporate at least three quoted phrases from the essay that support your ideas.