The Language of composition
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Transcript of The Language of composition
THE LANGUAGE OF COMPOSITIONReading, Writing, Rhetoric
Chapter TwoClose Reading: The Art and Craft of Analysis
Close Reading Goal is to develop an understanding of
text Close reading is strategy Create meaning based first on the
words, then on the larger ideas suggested
When writing about a text, you start with larger ideas, then use examples from the language to support
Close Reading We do it subconsciously every day We are aware of interaction of subject,
speaker, audience in conversation We analyze conversations We even consider style (body language,
tone, expression, etc.)
Analyzing Style Consists of tone, sentence structure and
vocabulary Style contributes to meaning, purpose and
effect Examples of style questions based on
Ground Zero text, p 37 Style falls into two categories: diction and
syntax
Diction Diction: choice of words Trope: artful diction Examples: metaphor, simile,
personification, hyperbole
Diction – Considerations Which important words are
general/abstract vs. specific/concrete? Are the important words formal,
informal, colloquial or slang? Are some words non literal, creating
figures of speech?
Syntax Syntax: arrangement of words Scheme: artful syntax Examples: parallelisms, juxtapositions,
antithesis
Syntax – Considerations What is the order of the parts of a
sentence: normal or inverted? Which part of speech is most
prominent? Are the sentences periodic or
cumulative? How does the sentence connect its
words, phrases and clauses?
Which of the questions on p. 37 are about diction and which are about syntax??
Talking with the Text The point: generate your own questions Remember, not just identifying
techniques, but analyzing their effect. Also, remember style is a subset of
rhetoric so we’re analyzing it as a means of persuasion
Therefore, determine the PURPOSE, what style choices are made, and what is their effect (towards the purpose)
Annotation Using a pen or pencil, on text or post-its1. Words you don’t know?2. Words that seem related?3. Thesis statements and topic sentences?4. Imagery?5. Allusions?6. Things that stand out – quotation marks,
punctuation, certain sentences, factsExample on page 40 – Joan Didion
Dialectical Journal Double-entry notebook Visually represent the conversation
between text nd reader See example, p. 42 Note Taking (text) vs. Note Making
(commentary)
Graphic Organizer See example, p. 441. Copy something the writer has said2. Restate it in your own words3. Analyze how the writer makes the point
(strategy or style element)4. Function or effect on the reader
Close Reading Assignment Assignment, p. 48 Complete a Dialectical Journal Entry for
the passage by Ascham
Analyzing a Visual Text