2. (Due Wednesday at noon) Process-Analysis essay readings...
Similar to the definition essay, the P.A. essay is an expository piece that walks the reader through a process. However, there is something of the narrative mode of discourse here too, since you'll be writing about things that happen in sequence.
And like the definition essay, the P.A. essay has a wide range of topics and forms. Read these and provide a brief outline of the steps for each process:
How to deliver a calf...You can really hear the narrative mode in this excerpt (note: it's an excerpt; there is no introduction. These would be the body paragraphs.) And yet, he's narrating a process.
How to tie a "Manhattan"...A typical piece in the "how-to" format. Notice the numbered sections. You can do that with this essay. If it helps the reader to follow your process, go ahead and use numbers or letters.
How to eat lobster...This one's not-so-typical, but it is clearly organized. It's also highly narrative. In fact, this would work as a narrative essay (remember, the modes of discourse aren't fixed categories; they just represent the different ways we use language in writing. But we mix them all the time depending on our purposes, our styles, the topic, etc.). The essay stops at "Where to buy lobster..."
Notice these are all "how-to" pieces. Your process analysis doesn't have to be how to. It can be a "how-does?" How does the body fight infection? How does a bill become a law? As long as your analyzing (breaking down into smaller parts) a process, it doesn't have to be a how-to.
Again, start with an area of interest to you. Are you a hunter? Write about how to gut a deer. Are you a computer geek? Write about doing a system restore. Are you a motorhead? Write about changing a carburetor.
Send me your proposed topics, please! By Friday night is good for me.
Have a great week.
