Essay Tips

The blog is accessible again, now that the new network system for CCSD is up and running. My apologies for not posting yesterday!

Today's rhetorical strategy focus was anaphora, a specific type of repetition. If repetition is a strategy you've analyzed before, remember to check and see if it's anaphora. If so, identify it as such!

Some reminders and tips about analyzing essays in class:


1. Many of you are still having trouble focusing on analysis rather than summary.
2. Remember to include the author’s name, the title of the work, and address the TAP.
3. When you identify a rhetorical strategy the author uses, give the example and then explain the effect that strategy has on the audience and how it helps convey the author’s purpose.
4. Strong opening sentences are key! Refer to the Jeff Gerke essay for tips.


Ex prompt: Analyze how Kimmel uses the death of her chicken, Speckles, to illustrate her relationship with her family.


Ex opening answer: Haven Kimmel’s portrayal of her family’s reactions to the death of her beloved chicken, Speckles, effectively conveyed how she viewed her family members to the audience. Balancing a lighthearted tone and childlike diction, Kimmel accurately captured the emotions of a devastated six year old in this humorous anecdote from “Qualities of Light, or Disasters Involving Animals,” making it clear to the reader that her father understood her better than anyone else.


Follow the formulas below to help you develop your style. As you become more comfortable with analysis, you'll be able to move away from the formula.


So, how can you improve your opening sentences?
In ____________________ (title), __________________ (author) effectively/ineffectively uses ________________ (name specific rhetorical strategies) that demonstrate/develop/show/illustrate, etc. to the audience ________________________ (the purpose).


So, how can you improve your analysis of purpose and rhetorical strategies?
______________________ (author) reinforces her ______________________ (purpose or position) with the use of ______________________ (rhetorical strategy). ___________________ (author) writes “QUOTE THE AUTHOR’S WORDS CONTAINING THE IDENTIFIED STRATEGY HERE,” which demonstrates/shows the audience (whatever it shows).


As you progress with your analysis this semester, I would expect that you will develop your own style and will not need to rely on the formula.