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Magical Moments

Magical Moments. Yes - you too, can create magic in your essay with just a few simple strategies!. 1. Varied Sentence Structure. Instead of sentences that always start with the noun, and then the verb, flip-flop the expected order:

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Magical Moments

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  1. Magical Moments Yes - you too, can create magic in your essay with just a few simple strategies!

  2. 1. Varied Sentence Structure • Instead of sentences that always start with the noun, and then the verb, flip-flop the expected order: Example: The Pope allowed Jay-Z and Lady Gaga to perform, given that they raise money for the Vatican. Try this instead: Given that they raise money for the Vatican, the Pope allowed Jay-Z and Lady Gaga to perform. How did I do this?

  3. Another sentence… • Change this sentence: • Colleen loved giraffes because she was rescued by a tribe of them at birth. • Now you write your own sentence that inverts or tampers with traditional word order.

  4. 2. How to use the semi-colon(But you know this, right??) • The semi-colon is only used between two _______________ clauses. Ryan is not in 5th period; his face ends up on popsicle sticks and his head bobbles around.

  5. Semi-colons • You can also use a transitional expression to connect the two. Ryan is not in 5th period and so his face ends up on popsicle sticks and his head bobbles around. Ryan is not in 5th period; therefore, his face ends up on popsicle sticks and his head bobbles around.

  6. Transitional Expressions • However, therefore, moreover, for example, consequently, in addition, accordingly, also, conversely, furthermore, indeed, likewise, meanwhile, nevertheless, similarly, specifically, thus, at the same time, in fact, on the contrary, on the other hand …

  7. Don’t use a semi-colon with these words and, but, or, nor, for, so yet These call for a comma only! No Exceptions!!!

  8. 3. The DRAMATIC Dash! • This style of punctuation should only be used for special occasions (No…Zach, not like when you grace us with your presence). • Use it when you want to insert a comment,emphasize material, amplify an element (especially at the end of a sentence), or mark a sudden change in tone.

  9. Some examples of my friend “Dash” • Consider the amount of sugar Ms. Kitchens consumed on her binge—104 pounds in one sitting! • Julia found her spot, increased her horse’s stride, put her eye at the top of the oxer and balanced—her mighty steed stopped. • Everything that went wrong—from my essay being pooped on by a pigeon to Nathan accidently cutting my hair and Greg eating my cake—happened on my birthday.

  10. 4. How about those allusions? • You may think all these timed writes are a Sisyphean task, but another way to add voice to your essays is through those pesky allusions from our tea party. Don’t get a chip on your shoulder or cry crocodile tears, it’s not a Promethean task. I don’t want to throw down the gauntlet or ask for a pound of flesh, so just try using the allusions. I bet if you do you’ll find once in a blue moon, all that glitters IS gold!

  11. Let’s see what you remember • Methuselah • White Elephant • Narcissus • Sirens • Achilles Heel • Tantalus

  12. Allusions • Allusions are ANY references to history, politics, pop culture, art, music…etc. • For instance, if you are re-writing “Birds” you could allude to Thoreau, or another Transcendentalist when discussing Dillard. • What allusions might you use if you rewrote “Magnasoles”?

  13. 5. Figurative Language • If the piece is metaphoric, toss in a metaphor of your own. • Figurative language includes - similes, metaphor, and personification. • Remember to use imagery and detail as well (all those voice tools you are familiar with). • How about an extended metaphor?

  14. 6. Powerful and unique verbs • Don’t say “says” • Say argues, concedes, laments, discusses, digresses, ponders, explains, demands, creates, etc…. • Use your yellow “says” paper for help • Your vocabulary and word choice show that you are an “academic writer.” Always remember your audience!

  15. Examine these sentences chock full of strong verbs: • “…overall enticing the reader further and braiding the stories together…” • “Every step toward happiness these immigrants take is a Sisyphean task, for the strict laws bind them from advancing…The reader is thrust into two different situations, one, an upper-middle-class American couple that wrestle…”

  16. REMEMBER: • You must show that not only can you analyze rhetorical strategies, you can USE them too! • This is a RHETORIC course. We are learning about writing while becoming better writers ourselves.

  17. Your Job: • Reread your timed writing from last week. • Attempt to increase your voice by employing two additional strategies. • If you already drop the dash on a regular basis, attempt something else. If many of your sentences employ semicolons, move on to another strategy. This is your chance to take a risk, with time on your side!

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