Strategy and Structure: Short Readings for Composition

Strategy and Structure contains 37 short readings arranged by rhetorical patterns, which are presented as techniques or methods that enable a writer to fulfill the purpose of an essay. A broad and diverse selection of writing by powerful, popular writers such as Joan Didion, John Steinbeck, and Langston Hughes, are mixed with those of many writers never before anthologized. The collection ensures that students will face challenging, stimulating readings chapter after chapter. All of the readings have been class-tested and chosen based on their ability to interest students. In addition, the book contains a brief chapter on developing critical reading skills and an extensive chapter devoted to the writing process with a step-by-step explanation of how to write an essay.

Table of Contents:
Thematic Contents. Preface. 1. Writer as Reader. The Process Illustrated. Exercises. 2. Prewriting: Generating Ideas. Examining the First Stage of the Writing Process. Prewriting Techniques. Freewriting. Brainstorming. Clustering and Branching. Maintaining a Journal. Exercises. 3. Composing: Developing an Effective Draft Essay. Moving from Ideas to Essay. Recognizing the Structure of an Essay. The Introduction. The Body. The Conclusion. Understanding the Thesis: The Bridge from Prewriting to Composing. Developing an Effective Thesis. Placing the Thesis Effectively. Creating Effective Content and Correct Form. Amplifying to Meet the Needs of Your Reader. Assessing the Needs of Your Reader. Keeping Your Writing Unified and Organized. Maintaining Coherence. Completing Multiple Drafts. Providing Proper Documentation. Exercises. 4. Revising: Refining Your Writing. Making Your Writing Polished and Effective. Reassessing. Redrafting. Editing. Tightening Your Writing. Proofreading. The Relationship between Your Purpose and the Rhetorical Modes. Exercises. 5. Narration. The Technique. The Proper Sequence. Effective Point of View. A Thorough Presentation. An Annotated Example. Writing at Work: Narration, Blue Man Group - Tubes. Practical Application. 6. Description. The Technique. Sensory Details. Objective and Subjective. Description. Spatial Order. An Annotated Example. Other Possibilities Using Description. Writing at Work: Description, Blurb: Life Is Beautiful. Practical Application: Example. 7. Example. The Technique. Specific and Relevant Examples. Multiple Examples. An Effective Arrangement. An Annotated Example. Writing at Work: Description, Example FAQ. Practical Application: Example. 8. Process. The Technique. Clarity and Directness. Simple, Logical Steps. Linear Order. An Annotated Example. Other Possibilities for Using Process. Writing at Work: Process: Parking. Practical Application: Process. 9. Definition. The Technique. An Annotated Example. 10. Comparison and Contrast. The Technique. A Clear Basis for Comparison. A Thought and Specific Presentation. An Effective Arrangement. An Annotated Example. Other Possibilities for Using Comparison and Contrast. Writing at Work: Comparison and Contrast, Dexa scan Report. Practical Application: Comparison and Contrast. 11. Cause and Effect. The Technique. Direct and Related Causes and Effects. Multiple Cause-and-Effect Situations. An Appropriate Focus. An Effective Arrangement. An Annotated Example. Other Possibilities for Using Cause and Effect. Writing at Work: Cause and Effect, Dixie Cups. Practical Application: Cause and Effect. 12. Division and Classification. The Technique. A Logical Method of Analysis. A Consistent Presentation. Distinct and Complete Elements of Analysis. An Effective Arrangement. An Annotated Example. Other Possibilities for Using Division and Classification. Writing at Work: Division and Classification, Products and Services. Practical Application: Division and Classification. 13. Argument. The Approach: Understanding Argument. The Modes in Combination. Types of Appeals. The Development of Your Paper. A Clear Stance on the Issue. Sufficient Valid Support. Tone. Errors in Logic. An Effective Arrangement. An Annotated Example. Other Possibilities for Argument Essays. Writing at Work: Argument, Dear Former Subscriber. Practical Application: Argument. Glossary. Index of Authors and Titles.