English A Rhetorical Modes and Essay
Background Information
Narration
|
Exemplification |
Comparison and Contrast |
Cause and Effect |
Argument
Information adapted from:
Davis,
Martin, and Smires,
Research for
Writers: Advanced English Composition,
2002
Kirszner and Mandell, Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical Reader and
Guide, 2007
Parks,
Levernier, and Hollowell,
Structuring
Paragraphs and Essays: A Guide to Effective Writing,
2001
Essay #1:
My California Dream
and Reality
Narration
1. What is narration? How is its purpose different in college courses?
2. How can narration connect with other types of writing?
3. Why is detail so important in narrative writing?
4. Why are chronological order and verb tense so important in narration?
5. What is a run-on
sentence? What are other names for this common error? What are two ways to
correct run-on sentences?
Exemplification
6. What is exemplification? What are four ways to use examples?
7. Explain the importance of each of the following: providing enough examples,
choosing a fair range of examples, and using transitions?
8. Why is it important to understand the rules for using commas in a series with
an exemplification essay?
9. What are some everyday uses for exemplification?
Essay #2:
Images of
California—Then and Now
Comparison and
Contrast
10. What is the
difference between comparison and contrast?
11. What is a basis of comparison?
12. What is a subject-by-subject comparison? When is this
structure most appropriate?
13. What is a point-by point comparison? When is this structure
most appropriate?
14. Explain parallelism/parallel structure? Why is it important
in this type of writing?
15. What are some everyday uses for comparison and contrast?
Essay #3: I-Search (Research Paper)
Essay #4: A Sense of Displacement--Japanese Internment in WW II Mini-
Research Project
Cause and Effect
16. What is the difference between a
cause and an effect? What is the purpose of cause and effect writing?
17. How is cause and effect similar to narration?
18. What is the difference between main and contributory causes?
19. What is the difference between immediate and remote causes?
20. What is a causal chain?
21. Why are transitions especially important in this type of writing?
22. Why should you avoid “The reason is because”? What is the difference between
affect and effect?
Essay #5:
Promise, Paradox, and the California Dream
Argument
23. What is the definition of argument? What is the purpose?
24. What is the difference between a value argument and a policy
argument?
25. What are the three categories into which your audience will
fall?
26. Give two examples of word choices that can turn a regular thesis into an
argument essay thesis.
27. Besides catching a reader’s attention, what are some other details to
remember to include in an argument essay introduction?
28. What is a concession? What is a refutation? Why is it important to include
them in an argument essay?
29. What is necessary to include in an argument essay conclusion?
