2201 Unit 1: Prose
Mid-Term Review
Answering a Constructed Response Question
Learning Objectives:
Review of Literary Terms
Use of effective diction
Irony, Satire, POV
Characterization - direct vs indirect
Theme
TAG Structure:
TAG and State the answer (1 point)
Quote #1 (1 point)
lead in and embed - speaker + occasion
Explanation (meaning & effectiveness) (1.5 points)
Quote #2 (1 point)
Transition, lead in, and embed - speaker + occasion
Explanation (meaning & effectiveness) (1.5 points)
Concluding sentence
Discuss Chekhov’s effective use of diction.
Chekhov uses diction to convey tone changes from joyful to resentful.
Initial joy reflected through words like "gracious" and "poetical".
Later resentment shown through descriptions of family as “wretched” and wife as “repulsive”.
Tone
Author's attitude towards the topic/audience; often implied.
Elements that indicate tone:
Author’s diction
Connotation beyond dictionary meaning
Sentence structure (e.g., long sentences indicate formality)
Categories:
Formal, informal; personal, impersonal; rational, emotional
Types of Essays
Expository: Information about events, processes, or issues; explains or exposes.
Narrative: Tells a story of an event/experience; first or third person.
Descriptive: Describes a person, place, or event; uses imagery.
Persuasive/Argumentative: Aims to convince the reader of an idea/point of view.
Methods of Development
Descriptive Essay:
Characterized by dominant impressions, sensory adjectives.
Expository Essay Methods:
Cause and Effect
Classification & Division
Comparison & Contrast
Example & Illustration
Definition
Process Analysis
Persuasive Essay:
Uses emotional appeals, statistics, expert authority, emphatic devices.
Specific Types of Evidence (Expository Writing)
Statistics: Numerical facts.
Authorities: Expert opinions.
Brief Narratives: Personal experiences.
Descriptions: Depth to arguments.
Examples: Concrete references.
Analogies: Comparisons to simplify complex ideas.
Counter-arguments: Address opposing viewpoints.
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Characteristics/Methods of development in Narrative Essay.
Coherence and unity
Methods of Development for the Narrative Essay:
Narration: Tells a story by recounting personal experiences or events in a clear sequence.
Cause-Effect: Explores the relationship between actions and their outcomes, highlighting how one event leads to another.
Comparison-Contrast: Examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects to enhance understanding.
Definition: Clarifies specific concepts or terms to establish clear understanding for the reader.
Description: Uses vivid imagery and sensory details to paint a picture of a person, place, or event, immersing readers in the narrative.
Unity and Coherence
Unity:
Essays must stay “on topic”; consistency in paragraphs.
Coherence:
Logical connections between ideas enhance readability.
Key elements: pronoun, parallel, reference, transitions.
Types of Transitions:
Logical: Shows connection (e.g., moreover).
Oppositional: Contrasts ideas (e.g., however).
Spatial: Describes location (e.g., in the foreground).
Temporal/Chronological: Defines time (e.g., first, later).
Style and Tone
Language Styles:
Jargon: Professional terms.
Colloquial: Informal speech.
Formal: Polite conventions.
Euphemism: Gentle way of stating negatives.
Informal: Conversational language.
Dialect and Slang: Regionally specific expressions.
Parts of an Essay
Thesis Statement:
Topic Sentence:
Opening Types in Essays
Types of Conclusions
Main point of the essay, often in the introduction.
Guides paragraph content.
Supporting Detail: Provides evidence or examples that reinforce the topic sentence.
Concluding Sentence: Summarizes the main idea of the paragraph and reinforces the connection to the thesis.
Anecdote: A brief story that illustrates a point. It engages the reader by presenting a relatable situation.
Example: "When I first moved to the city, I was overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, until one rainy afternoon taught me the importance of community."
Shocking Statistic: A surprising fact or figure that grabs attention and emphasizes the urgency of the topic.
Example: "Did you know that 1 in 3 children are affected by childhood obesity in the United States?"
Question: Posing a question can provoke thought and engage readers, making them reflect on their views.
Example: "Have you ever considered how our daily habits impact the environment?"
Quotation: Using a relevant quote can lend authority to your argument or introduce a theme effectively.
Example: "As Albert Einstein once said, 'Imagination is more important than knowledge.' This notion drives us to explore creativity beyond conventional limits."
Call-to-action:
Encourages the reader to take a specific action.
Example: "Join our campaign today to help protect the environment for future generations. Every small step counts."
Thesis Restatement:
Restates the main point or thesis of the essay in a new way.
Example: "In conclusion, the evidence clearly shows that investing in renewable energy is essential for sustainable economic growth."
Closing-by-return:
Refers back to an anecdote or idea introduced in the introduction.
Example: "Just as we began with the story of Jane’s journey to overcome her struggles, we can all learn that resilience is the key to achieving our goals."
Summary:
Recaps the main points discussed in the essay.
Example: "In summary, by examining the historical context, key events, and significant outcomes, we gain a clearer understanding of the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on contemporary society."
Terms to Know for Quiz:
Literature Terms: Tone, Mood, Theme, Diction, etc.
Methods of development, Types of essays, Coherence, Unity.
Different Kinds of Points of View (POV)
First Person: The narrator is a character within the story and utilizes pronouns like "I" or "we". This POV provides personal insights and emotions.
Second Person: The narrator speaks directly to the reader using "you", often creating a sense of involvement in the story.
Third Person: The narrator is outside the story and refers to characters using "he", "she", or "they". This can be further divided into:
Third Person Limited: The narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of a single character.
Third Person Omniscient: The narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story.
Irony
Situational Irony: When the outcome is opposite to what one would expect (e.g., a fire station burns down).
Verbal Irony: When a speaker says one thing but means another, often the opposite (e.g., saying "What a pleasant day" during a storm).
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension or humor (e.g., in horror films where the audience knows the killer is behind the door).
Essay Types
Expository Essay: Provides information about events, processes, or issues, explaining or exposing the topic.
Narrative Essay: Tells a story; can be in first or third person, focused on personal experiences with a clear thesis.
Descriptive Essay: Provides detailed descriptions of a person, place, or event, utilizing vivid imagery.
Persuasive/Argumentative Essay: Seeks to convince the reader of a particular point of view using emotional appeals, statistics, and expert opinions.
Characteristics of Effective Writing
Tone: The author's attitude toward the topic or audience, often indicated through diction and sentence structure.
Coherence & Unity: Essays must maintain a clear topic with logical connections between ideas to enhance readability. Key elements include proper transitions and pronoun references.