For each narrative story on Pp. 140-171 answer the following questions: 1. What is the story's main point?

2. What techniques does the author use to illustrate the main point or theme? 3. What did you appreciate about the story? 4. Was anything disappointing? Could something have been added or left out? Explain your answer.

The Fourth of July 1. The main point of the story was the racism the authors family experienced during a trip to Washington, D.C. 2. Lorde used similes to describe some of the experiences. She also follows a chronological approach to lay out the piece. 3. The innocence and naivety of the author made me appreciate the simplicity of the read. 4. I wouldnt say any part of the story was disappointing. The piece seemed to end rather abruptly, but if it had been any longer the reader could have lost interest. Shooting an Elephant 1. The authors point was that of the oppressor over the oppressed. As the white man, he had to show strength and bravery to the Burmese people. 2. Orwell used a compare and contrast method to weigh the outcomes of his decision to kill the elephant or let it live. 3. I can appreciate the human element of this piece. The attempt to maintain integrity in a somewhat hostile environment kept it interesting. 4. While necessary to set the stage for the story, I could have dealt without the demeaning descriptions of the people of Burma. Someones Mother 1. The point of this story is the authors responsibility to help the hitchhiker get to a safe location. It also points to the difficulty with making decisions in regards to someone with dementia/Alzheimers disease. 2. Murray uses a dialogue in chronological order to move this piece along. 3. Stories like this give me a sense of faith restored in humanity. While Murray left the woman at the pharmacy with reservation, she knew the hitchhiker was more safe there than on the side of the road. 4. The ending to this story kind of leaves me wondering. I would have liked to known if the woman made it home or if her son ended up having her admitted to a nursing home.

Salvation 1. The main point of Hughes story was the conflict and shame associated with a lie. 2. This piece was rather spatial. Details were limited about the surroundings and we barely knew any of the characters in the essay. 3. I appreciated the fact that Hughes opened up in this essay. There was an overwhelming sense of truth throughout his story. 4. I wouldnt say anything about this story disappointed me. As a Christian, I know the regret he felt in the closing paragraph was the Holy Spirit his aunt had mentioned. He was being convicted for the lie in the church. Serving in Florida 1. The main point was for the reader to appreciate the working class of America and appreciate the situation they are put in on a daily basis. 2. The author used exemplification by way of sensory language during this story. 3. There was little to appreciate with this storyaside from the ending. 4. I was disappointed with the direction of this piece. It was like she just rambled on and on. I still am not sure what the point of this essay was.

Answer the following questions about each of the essays on Pp. 295-330: 1. What is the main thesis or point of this process analysis? 2. What techniques does the writer use to support his or her thesis or main point? 3. Give a specific example of a writing technique that was effective?

Waves of Destruction 1. The thesis of this article is found in paragraph 10. Destructive tsunamis strike somewhere in the world an average of once a year. 2. The author used an informational approach to support his point as well as some compare and contrast. 3. a) And in July 1993 an earthquake in the Sea of Japan generated one of the largest tsunamis ever to hit Japan, with waves washing over areas 97 feet above sea level;120 people drowned or were crushed to death. b) One major difference between the seafloor and the ocean surface, however, is that when the seafloor shifts, it stays put, at least until the next earthquake. c) Although you might think a tsunami spreading across the ocean would be about as inconspicuous as a tarantula walking on your pillow, the wave is, in fact, essentially invisible in deep ocean water.

Talk About Editing 1. The main point of this essay is found in paragraph 4. While its important to know that we edit, its also important to know how we edit. 2. Shipley uses exemplification throughout to define his direction of the article. 3. I could quote he majority of this piece to show examples the author effectively used. During his writing, Shipley uses phrases like for instance. He also provides a list of what an editor will do to further prove his points. What Shamu Taught Me about a Happy Marriage 1. The main point for this essay is that like animals, humans too can be swayed by ignoring bad behavior and promoting good. 2. The author used compare and contrast to support her thesis. 3. a) Eventually it hit me that the same techniques might work on that stubborn but loveable species, the American husband. b) All of paragraphs 14 and 15 How to Say Nothing in 500 Words

1. The main point the author is trying to purvey is to use subject matter and wording in such a way as to draw your reader in, not to lull them so sleep. 2. The author uses exemplification throughout this piece. He shows the reader what not to do and then points us in the direction he wants us to go. 3. a) Paragraph 14 the direction to ignore the obvious as not to bore the reader. b) One rather simple way of getting interest into your paper is to take the side of the argument that most of the citizens will want to avoid. The Fine Art of Complaining 1. The authors point for this essay was to be clear, concise, and tactful when complaining should the need arise. 2. Rego uses exemplification as well as an informative technique for her readers. 3. I feel the example and breakdown of the letter in paragraphs 10-20 really bring the authors point home.