Assignment 3

English 101: Introduction to College Writing – Spring 2013

Assignment 3: using rhetorical analysis to make preliminary observations about a text

1.     Read David Sedaris’ “Standing By” on pages 275-277 in the First Year Composition Reader.

2.     As you read, take notes on a separate sheet of paper.

a.     These notes should indicate what you find surprising, interesting, difficult, confusing, striking, or noteworthy.

b.     You might also note any words, distinctions, assertions, or questions in the text, or anything about the arrangement of the parts of the article that stands out to you for any reason.

c.     You also might note what doesn’t stand out: what seems natural to you in the text, unsurprising, or just how things are? Noting what you take for granted can also help you understand how and why you interpret a text as you do.

d.     Be sure to mark those places in the text. These references will help you participate in class discussions and compose your essay about Sedaris’ essay.

3.     Create a blog post and title it Sedaris’ “Standing By”. Write a brief summary of the essay. Make sure to use proper MLA citation (in-text citations and a works cited). In order to write an effective summary, you will want to explain the essay to someone who has never read it. The challenge is to be thorough and succinct at the same time.

4.     When you’re done reading, summarizing, and taking notes, create another blog post and title it Assignment 3. Then carefully read back over your notes and any markings you’ve made on the text. Based on your reading of the article and your notes, write three or more developed paragraphs describing your reaction to this article, including what ideas you have about it. Consider the following:

a.     Why do you think Sedaris might have composed this text?

b.     What questions or ideas does Sedaris raise? Where do you see this?

c.     What do you think he might have hoped readers would feel, think, or do while and after reading? What makes you think that?

5.     At the end of this post, include one or two questions for you and your colleagues to pursue in class discussion.

     6. Publish these posts and bring your course texts to our next class meeting.