Structuring your first essay: Here is the most common and logical organizational structure you can follow in writing this first piece:
-Paragraph 1 (tasks 1-3 addressed): Follow the Rhetorical Precis format provided closely.
-Paragraph 2 (tasks 4-5 addressed): Two reasons and the different types of evidence provided for each of the 2 reasons (as discussed in class)
- Start the lead in sentence something like this: "To support his main argument, Samuelson provides two reasons. First, (insert reason 1)....
- Then articulate the 2 types of evidence provided for that reason.
- Then state his second reason.
- Then articulate 2 types of evidence used to support that reason.
-Paragraph 3 and 4 (addresses task 6): For each of these paragraphs, discuss ONE specific rhetorical decision he makes to appeal to his educated, busy audience in mind in relation to how certain appeals are at work through that decision.
- Write a strong lead in sentence that reveals that you will NOW be discussing the effectiveness of a certain rhetorical decisions made by Samuelson AND the appeals at work through those decisions...something like this: "While he uses many effective strategies, perhaps one of his most impacting is how he uses _________________. "(now explain how he uses this strategy by developing your discussion and showing how he is using the appeals through that strategy)
- As you develop this paragraph, be sure your explanation includes textual evidence to illustrate, and explanation that reveals how the specific appeals are being used.
- This paragraph should also have a closing sentence that reinforces your opinion of the strategy's/appeal's effectiveness, and/or lack thereof.
-Paragraph 4 (addresses task 6): Discuss another rhetorical decision Samuelson made (or strategy used), and how certain appeals are at work through that decision.
- Follow guidance provided for Paragraph 3 (above).
-Paragraph 5 (addresses task 7): Conclusion
- For this paragraph, instead of simply restating what you have already said, I'd like you to reflect on his main argument. Using your own experience (details), explain your reaction to his argument and whether or not you agree. Why or why not?
- Try to close with impact that's meant to make the reader think about the topic at hand...
- You may bring in outside sources if desired, but don't go overboard. I'm mostly looking for you to use your own experience/observations to comment intelligently on whether or not you agree with what he's saying (that we don't give ourselves time to pause anymore).
An additional way you can organize your piece is to address task 6 (discussion of strategies/appeals) in relation to the types of evidence Samuelson uses. In other words, you may consider his use of certain statistics in relation to his audience particularly effective because of certain reasons...and that the use of those statistics also illustrates the appeals at work. Then you'd explain thoughtfully to develop.
If you take this approach, I would suggest you break up the two reasons into two separate paragraphs so as not to confuse the reader. Ask me if you need help with this.
- Be sure your piece is in MLA format; there is a sample essay in your Keys for Writers grammar book at the end of the MLA section.
- Be sure your piece is double-spaced.
- To cite, simply use the paragraph # (there are 11 paragraphs total). You must set up your quote correctly. A quote from this essay should look like this:
- According to Samuelson, he is part of a "shrinking minority" who still use commas (1).
Attachment:- Assignment.rar