Reference no: EM133580517
This assignment builds on our discussion of topic sentences and body paragraphs from the September 6 class, which made reference to the "Bedford, Sections 3a and 3b" handout that can be found in Basecamp > Docs & Files > Writing and Research Guides and Handouts.
Please note that the effectiveness of topic sentences and body-paragraphs will be considered in the evaluation of the short papers due on Monday September 11. How would your own paragraphs be evaluated according to the questions asked here?
The handout has complete information about the assignment. Here are the six prompts that you must reply to. (These prompts are also included in the handout.)
1) Whose body-paragraph has the best topic sentence? (Think of features of effective topic sentences discussed in class.) Why does it stand out as best?
2) Whose body-paragraph does best at "summariz[ing] the historical treatment and recognition of Native Americans at Mount Rushmore," based on the article by Lauren Lantry, et al.? Why is this paragraph most effective at its summary? (You do not need to read the article yourself; consider which paragraph is best at its summary even if you haven't read it.)
3) Whose body-paragraph does best at presenting an argument based on the situation at Mount Rushmore? Why is this paragraph most effective in making an argument?
4) What are some examples of the following from all four paragraphs: (a) statements or claims made that can be better supported by evidence from the source; and (b) statements that do not seem relevant to the topic of the paragraph, and can be eliminated?
5) From a technical standpoint (considering sentence construction, sentence style, grammar, and mechanics), whose body-paragraph strikes you as best to read? And if there are any technical issues or errors that stand out to you, what are they?
6) Which is the most effective paragraph overall, and why?