RWS 100 – 9/11/17 - Testa Thompson and Introductions

Essay 1 Questions about Essay 1?

In-Class Writing Write a quick reflection on Thompson’s text. OPEN BOOK/NOTE What did you think of Thompson’s argument? Did you agree/disagree and why? Can you find any connections between Thompson’s ideas and your own life?

Thompson Discussion questions.

Argument The vast increase in public writing inspired by the Internet is an important, new, beneficial change for individuals and for society. It has profound cognitive, cultural, and political implications.

Rhetorical Situation Author = Clive Thompson, Canadian, freelance journalist, blogger, a writer interested in technology.

Rhetorical Situation Genre = a chapter from his book Smarter Than You Think.

Rhetorical Situation Audience = wide audience? What about his writing style?

Rhetorical Situation Purpose = to inform, outline, persuade?

Rhetorical Situation Context = the internet, now, contemporary, social media

How to Write Intro for Rhetorical Situation Do not just say “The purpose is to… The audience is… The author is…” It does not need to be that explicit. Try to combine/weave it into the introduction. It can be said in just a few sentences.

Ways to “Hook” A personal experience about your own writing today. A thought-provoking question. An extremely relevant quote. An alarming statistic. Reveal a misconception. Set a scene. Establish significance of issue.

Ways to “Hook” No “from dawn of mankind” or “society values.” No vague quotes. No Webster Dictionary.

Thesis You can use the following templates: “In this paper, I will explore his claims that… and I will show…” “In this paper, I will analyze his claims and evidence about… in order to show that…” “Thompson’s strongest rhetorical move is his use of evidence to support his claims that… In this paper, I will show…”

MLA Format Double-spaced throughout. Last name and page number. (Haslett 1) First Name Last Name. (Francisco Haslett) Teacher’s Name (with title – Mr. Testa) Class (RWS 100) Date due (September 25th for rough draft)

Title The title is centered, but it is not underlined, bolded, and the font is still 12pt. Try to think of a creative title. Usually, I think of titles after writing the whole essay. Remember, “Essay 1” is boring, and “Public Thinking” has already been taken.

General Tips Save your work often. Make multiple saves with different names (12345). While drafting, send a copy to yourself via email so you have an electronic copy. Or Google Drive.

Homework Read rest of Thompson. Read page 43 of Online Reader. Go back through Thompson and contemplate on his use of claims and evidence – mark them if you wish. Start prewriting/”zero” drafting your introduction. No writing is due.