Essay Writing: Part 2

PART I

Modules 1 through 4 Homework Assignments will be a continuation of a writing process.  You will construct your essay by answering the following prompt, which will be given at the beginning of each homework assignment.  This is a step-by-step process, so if you are unfamiliar with what a descriptive essay is, do not worry.  By the end of Module 4, you will have a much better understanding of a descriptive essay and will have written one successfully.  As long as you read the textbook and all the lecture notes and complete the activities, you will not encounter much difficulty.

Prompt: Write a descriptive essay about a specific place that you know well and have observed.  You will construct a traditional, five-paragraph essay (introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph).

1.  Continuing from the Module 1 Homework Assignment, take out your outline and reread your topic and details.

2.  Based on your outline, write a thesis statement.  Your thesis statement should state the dominant impression about your subject.

3.  You will now construct an introductory paragraph by using the model below:

I. Introduction

A. Opening sentence that attracts the reader’s interest

B. Supply any background information that will make the reader better understand the place, such as its importance

C. Thesis statement

4.  You will turn in the introductory paragraph (in paragraph form, not outline form).

You have successfully written the introduction and thesis statement for your descriptive essay.  You are now ready to write the body of your essay in the Module 3 Homework Assignment.

[iBoard Example]

I. Introduction

A. Shopping online may be more convenient for some; however, nothing can truly replace shopping in an actual store.

B. Most believe that shopping online can save time, but when buying certain items, it may be best to visit the actual store and try the product out beforehand.  Many times, online policies can be difficult to comprehend, especially in regards to returning merchandise.

C. The traditional way of shopping is more efficient than online shopping because a product can be tried out before being purchased, the price can be determined accurately, and physical activity is involved in the process.

Shopping online may be more convenient for some; however, nothing can truly replace shopping in an actual store.  Most believe that shopping online can save time, but when buying certain items, it may be best to visit the actual store and try the product out beforehand.  Many times, online policies can be difficult to comprehend, especially in regards to returning merchandise.  The traditional way of shopping is more efficient than online shopping because a product can be tried out before being purchased, the price can be determined accurately, and physical activity is involved in the process.

PART II

Directions: Please read “Taming the Anger Monster” by Anne Davidson on page 286 of your textbook.  When you have finished reading the article, answer the following questions with at least 250 words per question.

1.      Which of the following statements best represents the implied thesis of “Taming the Anger Monster”?  Explain.

a.       People today have lost their ability to control their anger and to behave in a civil fashion.

b.      Anger would last only a few seconds if we didn’t keep it going with negative thinking.

c.       While technology has its positive aspects, it has made us constantly available to others and frustrates us with the need to master its endless new developments.

d.      Our out-of-control anger has understandable causes, but common sense and patience are more satisfying than outbursts of rage.

2.      Write a topic sentence that covers what is discussed in paragraphs 3 and 4.

3.      The essay is about one main effect and three possible causes.  What is the one main effect and what are the three causes?

4.      What method best describes the introduction to “Taming the Anger Monster”?

a.       Quotation

b.      Broad, general statement narrowing to thesis

c.       Idea that is the opposite of the one to be developed

d.      Anecdote and questions

5.      What is the relationship between the essay’s first paragraph and its concluding paragraph?