Analyzing an Explanatory Essay
In this discussion, you will share your views of an article written by a professional. Your focus in the discussion should be on the article, especially the strategies that the writer uses.
Review the Suze Orman article, "How to Take Control of Your Credit Cards," in The Prentice Hall Essential Guide for College Writers, Chapter 7, beginning on page 187. Using specific references to the article, answer these questions about the essay:
This essay originally appeared on the Internet on a widely read Web site. Her audience is public. Orman uses informal language ("call 'em up" and "you and your pals") and the second person ("you") throughout the essay. Are these devices appropriate for the audience and purpose? What changes would be necessary for an essay on the same topic, written for an academic audience?
What strategies (definition of terms, explanation of processes, analysis of cause and effect) does Orman use in this essay? How effective do you think they are?
Your post should focus on the writing strategies found in the essay, not on personal opinions about the topic or personal experiences with the topic of the essay.
RESPONSE GUIDELINES
Read the posts of your classmates and respond to at least two of them. Your responses should be substantive and detailed, referring to the essay and to specific points made by your classmates. You may agree or disagree, but support your statements with references to the text. The focus of this discussion is on the writing strategies used in the essay, not on personal opinions about the topic of the essay.
The discussion will be more interactive, and you will learn more from it, if you post your original response early in the week, wait and respond to your classmates, and then read and respond to their messages.