Assignment: Select a paragraph of professional prose and analyze its use of structure to achieve the intended rhetorical effect. On the sentence level, consider sentence patterns (active vs. passive voice, commands, questions, etc.), the placement of optional elements such as adverbials, and the use of rhythmic devices to add or shift emphasis. On the paragraph level, examine the methods used to achieve cohesion: pronouns, power words, parallel structures, etc., as well as the use of end focus and the known-new contract. Then, in clear, well-organized prose, present your findings to the reader. Include an overall assessment of the author’s effectiveness in achieving the desired rhetorical end.

Length: 1000-1500 words of text.

Due Date: The beginning of class on Tuesday, March 11.

Format: The submitted copy should be typed, double-spaced, on 8 1/2" x 11" typing paper. Do not use onion-skin paper or erasable bond. Fasten the pages with a staple or paper clip in the top, left-hand corner of the sheet. Do not put your completed paper in a folder or plastic cover, and do not include fly sheets (i.e. sheets with nothing on them). A cover sheet will not be necessary. Formatting (pagination, margins, title, etc.) should accord with MLA (Modern Language Association) guidelines. Details concerning MLA style can be found in The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (1984 or later), in handbooks (1985 or later) of writing style, or by clicking here.

Late Papers: One letter grade will be deducted for each class meeting that the paper is late.