Improving Quickwrites

Today in class we discussed our darling Zippy, the strategy of antithesis and strategies for improving quickwrites.

Remember, antithesis is very common in political rhetoric, but just as effective in other works. When you incorporate antithesis into your own writing, be careful not to overuse the strategy. Like any rhetorical device, antithesis will lose its impact if you don't use it correctly.

Please do not despair if your first Zippy quickwrite did not go like you planned. Many of you are not used to the analytical style of writing, so it will take more than one or two tries to get it right. In the meantime, review the suggestions from previous blog posts and class notes. Pay close attention to the notations I make on your assignments--they are there to help you know what you did well and what you can improve upon. A basis of this class is to help you learn to develop this style...and I am always here to help! The examples from class today are helpful because you can review the success some of your peers have had.

In class today: Read and analyze Sonia Shah's "Tight Jeans and Chana Chorris" from the Norton Reader. (p. 304). TAP the essay and answer questions 1 -3.

Homework: Read and analyze "Diner" and "Slumber Party." Be prepared for another Zippy quickwrite tomorrow! You DO get to use your books on the quickwrite, so don't forget to bring Zippy.