Look at the photos in this chapter and write three things that might be true about Mike Oulton.
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Write three things you know about Mike Oulton from his writing.
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Mike Oulton writes about professional prisoners in “Five Bucks’ll Getcha Burned.” What does the
term “professional prisoner” mean to you?
In his interview, he talks about important things for surviving in prison. What do you think are the
most important things for surviving in prison? Are those things different from or similar to surviving
outside of prison? How are they different? How are they alike?
Mike Oulton describes what seems like an ordinary day, but provides a great deal of detail about the
people and things around him. What are the things he notices about his surroundings – the meals, his
cell, the man who wanted to borrow money?
What do you notice about the people you see every day? What about the places where you spend
time? Write a description of a person or place, paying close attention to details that you might not
usually notice.