Tuesday, February 13, 2018
ESSAY TEST PREPARATION
Jim Heid Thesis: News stations should broadcast news that is ethical and informative instead of using graphic footage for ratings, since that is insensitive and a sign of poor journalism.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Identify the thesis in your own words, in one sentence. (2 marks)
2. Identify one argument that the author makes in the essay, and explain how it is used to effectively support the thesis. (4 marks)
3. Identify one method of proof in the essay, and explain how it is used effectively. (2 marks)
4. Identify one rhetorical device used in the essay, and explain how it is used effectively. (2 marks)
HOMEWORK:
Answer the sample questions in full sentences for Robert Fulghum's "Are There Any Questions?"
SAMPLE ANSWERS (FROM VARIOUS ESSAYS)
1. THESIS for Frye Essay: One must improve their literacy skills in order to be able to truly think effectively.
2. ARGUMENT (=FACT/EXAMPLE+OPINION). One of the arguments in Frye's essay is that one must be taught how to think, patiently and carefully, and that an idea does not exist until it can be articulated into words. This argument effectively supports the thesis because the reader will realize that thinking requires hard work, it is not something that develops without training, thus it is made clear that literacy skills really do have to improve.
3. METHOD OF PROOF. Jim Heid opens his essay very effectively with an anecdote about b-roll footage of his late sister which used unnecessarily, and thus upset his still grieving mother. This is effective because it grabs the reader's attention immediately by introducing the topic of using old graphic b-roll, and helps us understand his personal perspective and be persuaded of the gravity of the situation.
4. RHETORICAL DEVICE. There is an example of litotes in Jim Heid's essay when he writes, "It turns out that quality sells" (para. 10). It could be argued that he's understating a point that is very obvious - viewers actually want to see high quality news coverage.
Monday, February 12, 2018
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