1. PURPOSE – What is the purpose of the essay? Is he trying to persuade, provide information, entertain, compare/contrast, show cause and effect? What is his purpose in writing the essay? HOW does his introduction get readers “on the same page” mentally? What gimmick does he use to appeal to most of his readers?
2. AUDIENCE – Who is his audience? AVOID the simplistic “readers of the WSJ” (Wall Street Journal). Obviuosly, other readers have access to this essay, OTHER THAN subscribers or readers of the WSJ. Audience refers not only to those individual readers, but also a certain demographic—or group of people. What likely characteristics would those individuals have? What is their likely socio-economic status? Their probable educational background? Their potential interests? Why would they be interested in this article?
3. What is the focus of the essay—suggested by the title, but not completely clear? In 1-2 strong sentences, state Johnson’s primary focus in this article—it’s more than just e-books and change. Your statements need to be clearer and encompass the main ideas of this essay. NEXT: do all the parts “fit”? Does the development include any irrelevant information? WHY is this important to a “tight” essay?
4. This is a writer for the WSJ. His conclusion MUST be effective. What makes it effective? Is the reader inclined to think after he/she finishes reading this article? If so, is his thinking related to the purpose of the essay? HOW? (That is, if the essay is intended to persuade, does it at least convince the reader to consider another side of the argument or does it explain—or present—an idea the reader may not have seen or understood before?
5. HOW does the author present both positive and negative possibilities concerning e-books? Why is that important to the reader AND as the writer may wish to appear?
6. Discuss the comparison of e-books with the Gutenberg Bible, as presented in the essay. Do you agree or disagree with Johnson? WHY or WHY NOT?
No comments:
Post a Comment