In-class Assignment for 9/9

It only ends when you do it...

Today in class we'll be looking at an example of a descriptive essay and analyzing it. We'll be on the lookout for all the characteristics you'll need to have in YOUR essays, so by the end of class, you should have a good idea as to what to expect.

On page 253 (in the old book -- for the new book, it'll be towards the end of chapter 12), "Heatstroke with a Side of Burn Cream"

This essay DESCRIBES someone's first job. You can choose to write about this as well if you'd like.

Here are the discussion questions:

                                                              i.      What topic is the essay describing? What dominant impression about the topic is the author conveying?

                                                             ii.      What sensory detail does the author include in the essay? What senses do they appeal to? Do you think they contribute to the dominant impression? Why or why not?

                                                            iii.      How is the essay organized? Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence? Are they effective? Why or why not?

                                                           iv.      List examples of figurative language in the essay. Does each comparison add to the dominant impression?

                                                             v.      Reread the introduction. How does the author hook the reader’s attention? Do you think it’s effective?

                                                           vi.      Reread the conclusion. How does the author wrap up the essay? Do you think it’s effective?