2.STRUCTURE
1. STYLE
2.
STRUCTURE
3.
LANGUAGE
and MEANING
4.PURPOSE
and THEMES
5. TONE 6.
FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE
Structure
means the way topics and ideas in a piece of writing are arranged in a
sequence by the writer. A particular sequence of ideas might be useful to,
for example, make the writing clearer (as in writing to explain), more
interesting (as in a story) or more persuasive (as in writing an essay, to
argue).
Structure
is also important in a story to create and build up the sense of tension
that is so vital to this type of writing. Structure can be said to 'shape
meaning' and is clearly one of the most important aspects of writing.
You
can work out the structure for a text by making a note of the ideas or
topics that the writer explores as the text proceeds. Always consider the effect
and purpose of this sequence to recognise how the whole meaning of
the text is slowly being shaped.
It is often important,
too, to discuss a text by working through it from beginning to end - if
you don't you are appearing to ignore the writer's well-thought-out
structure!
1. Under the heading Structure, explain what is meant by this
term, when you are describing a piece of writing.
2. Read the essay about essays, and then describe the structure of a
formal essay.
3. Read the essay's last paragraph again. What has the writer done to
make sure his or her concluding paragraph is not 'bland repetition', but
rather lively and interesting?
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An essay about essays!
Sharp
Ideas
In
1729, when Jonathan Swift wanted to make people aware of the horrible
poverty of the Irish, he chose the essay as his weapon and wrote A
Modest Proposal. In that essay, he suggested, sarcastically, that the
Irish should sell their children as food. His suggestions sounded
vaguely practical and reasonable but really criticised the foolishness of
those who ignored human values and relied only on scientific ideas. Such
people had suggested, for example, that famine was an acceptable way of
controlling over-population. His essay, which provoked outrage, helped
encourage many people to think carefully about the problem. And
encouraging thought is what a clear essay does best. But to work, essays
need a clear structure with an eye-catching beginning, a middle containing
supporting ideas and examples, and an end that reinforces the writer’s
ideas.
A
good essay begins with a title and introduction which attracts the
reader's attention, although neither must be misleading. The introduction
in particular must provide the reader with the general attitude of the
writer and outline the course of the discussion, often through the
inclusion of several points that will be covered. Swift captures the
reader’s attention by the contrast between the harmless sounding title
and the horrible suggestions he makes about eating children.
In
the body of the essay, each idea, or sub-argument, is developed and
supported with examples. For example, in the case of A Modest Proposal,
Swift clearly explains at what age boys and girls should be sold for food
in order to reap the greatest profits.
The
conclusion of the essay serves to drive home the writer's points, quite
often through a recommendation, a prediction, or a warning, but never just
a summary. Too often, students destroy the impact of their writing by
blandly repeating the same points raised a few lines before.
An essay is a tool that can be used in many ways:
to inspire; to condemn; to honour; or to help. But whether it hacks at
ignorance like a dull knife or slashes like Swift's bright sword, will
depend the writer’s grip on the language and the sharpness of the words.
http://ec.hku.hk/writingmachine/bin1/example.htm
5. What is the title of the well know Jonathan
Swift story,
that is illustrated
on the left?
'Structure'
text is from:
http://www.Englishbiz.com.au
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