Module 1 Essay

Writer’s purpose (PIE)

Persuade- convince, influence, sway, coerce, coax

Inform- educate, clarify, explain, create awareness

Entertain- excite, frighten, amuse

Writer's tone

Attitude towards the subject which they have chosen to write about.

serious, sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek, solemn, wicked, indifferent, biased

1. indignant

2. arrogant

3. sarcastic

4. matter-of-fact

5. serious

6. objective

7. condescending

8. critical

9. nostalgic

10. sentimental

11. vindictive

12. sympathetic etc.

Essay introduction

a.    start with a synopsis of the piece: title and author and main idea

b.    add the writer’s purpose

c.    end the intro with a clear thesis statement

Body

-For a 500 word essay we suggest that you choose two organizational strategies and two language techniques and use one paragraph to discuss each one fully

Conclusion

·         no new ideas must be introduced

·         you may re-instate your thesis

·         close off your discussion skillfully

Thesis statement

examples:

• The writer achieves her purpose by making use of effective organizational strategies and language techniques.

• Appropriate organizational strategies and language techniques were used by the writer to help him achieve his purpose.

• This essay is an analysis of the writer’s use of organizational strategies, writer’s techniques and the appropriateness of his tone.

Organisational strategies

-Chronological order

-Spacial Pattern (e.g. describing the layout of a house)

-Order of Importance

-Statistics and Figures

-Anecdotes (short story relating to topic)

-Use of analogy

-Listing

-News report

-Examples and illustrations

-Historical data

-Scientific evidence

-Extended or long descriptions

-Eye witness accounts

-Expert opinions (scientists , technocrats)

-Humour

-Famous quotes/sayings

-Moving from general to specific

-Definitions and classifications

-Cause and effect

-Problem and Solution

-Compare and contrast

-Process Analysis (order and sequence)

Language Techniques

1.  Figurative devices

• Metaphors

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

• Paradox

• Satire

• Satire

• Irony (satire)

• Onomatopoeia 

2.   Rhetorical Devices

• Rhetorical question

• Repetition

• Emotive language

3.  Personal pronouns

• First person to include self

• Second person to focus on the audience

• Third person to exclude self

4.   Other

• Colloquial language

• Slang

• Creole

• Academic language

• Tone

• Simple and short sentences

How to comment on LTs and OS

1. Identify/state the LT/OS

2. Provide/Give evidence using quotation marks.

3. Comment on effectiveness of LT/OS

-What does the strategy do; what does it add to the piece.

-How does it help the writer achieve their purpose and main point?

How to comment on tone

Always use adjectives to describe the tone. Comment on whether you thought the tone was appropriate, based on the writer’s purpose or the subject that he is discussing.