FRESHMAN COMPOSITION, RHETORIC, GRAMMAR II

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INTRO. TO LITERARY RESEARCH & WRITING

INSTRUCTOR: James Maxfield

When you read the assigned essays, articles, and stories, read critically. That is, try to determine the writing strategies and the rhetorical mode being used by the writer.

Narration (See Ch. 5)

A strategy for recalling and presenting information or an experience as a series of events, usually in chronological order, and usually from a first-person (I) point of view; but third-person P.O.V can also be effective. Flashbacks can add interest and variety.

Description (See Ch. 6)

A strategy for using "vivid details and examples [. . .] to recreate a situation, capture a scene, recall an individual, or explain a concept or feeling" (Kelly 386). (Note the in-text citation format). Description in essays may be either objective (no personal emotion or feelings) or entirely subjective (you express personal feelings and a possible vested interest).

Example (See Ch. 7)

A strategy to support and illustrate your thesis statement by providing a series of examples—usually extended examples that are developed by individual paragraphs or sections of the essay.

Division and Classification (See Ch. 12)

Two related strategies: Division reduces your subject to its lowest common denominator so you can focus on a specific point or argument. Classification groups a series of items, events, individuals, or concepts together to increase focus and understanding for the reader. Both of these strategies help the writer to focus the argument.

Process (See Ch. 8)

A strategy for providing the reader a specific (usually linear) order on how something occurred or how to do something, as in a set of developments, instructions, procedures, or rules.

Definition (See Ch. 9)

A strategy for presenting information intended to create or change how something is defined. A definition can be short (a few sentences) or extended into several paragraphs, a section, a chapter, or even a whole book.

Comparison & Contrast (See Ch. 10)

A common strategy used to illustrate the similarities and/or differences between two or more subjects. The structural arrangement can be alternating between the subjects, "blocking" each subject in turn, or mixing (using both arrangements in the same essay for different effects).

Cause & Effect (See Ch. 11)

A common strategy used to focus on the cause(s) for an event or the consequence(s) of an event. While the focus can be on both, the writer usually argues or advocates from one point of view.

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Last modified: 04/30/06