Rhetorical Analysis Practice

Period 2, click here to review the rhetorical analysis we did together in class, focusing on evidence and analysis.

Period 4, click here to review the rhetorical analysis we did together in class, focusing on evidence and analysis.

Parallel Structure Practice

- Correct the following sentences so that they demonstrate parallel structure.

1.  During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittney, he ate candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet.

2.  Alex looked everywhere for his math book—under the bed, on his desk, and he searched inside the refrigerator.

3.  The manager wanted staff who arrived on time, would be smiling at the customers, and would not be snacking on the chicken nuggets.

4.  After giving Jeremy her phone number, Felicia had to tolerate his late night calls, the fact that he carried on stupid conversations, and requests for her math homework,

5.  Dogs that bark, kittens that meow, and parakeets squawking greet the pet shop visitors.

6.  He wanted three things out of university: to pick up a marketable skill, to make good friends, and to understand the stock market.

7.  My home-office is filled with student reports, scrap paper and the garbage can is overflowing.

An overview about parallel structure can be found here.

Comma, Semicolon, and Colon Practice

Complete the following practice on colons, semicolons, and commas.  Add in the appropriate punctuation mark.

1.  I gave you the spray bottles for one reason to clean the windows.

2.  You will need the following ingredients milk, sugar, flour, and eggs.

3.  There is only one way to make it to the top hard work.

4.  The hill was covered with wildflowers it was a beautiful sight.

5.  I heard a loud thump so I turned around.

This document contains practice on using colons, semicolons, and commas.

Into the Wild Articles

Read the following articles on Into the Wild.

Article 1

Article 2


What sort of a message does each article portray about McCandless?  Which do you agree with?  Why?

Photos of Chris McCandless

Here is a link to a website with actual photos of Chris from his travels.

Vocabulary Lesson 3 Practice

Fill in the correct word to complete each sentence or analogy using words from list 3.

1. I don't enjoy ___________________ about who will win an election; I'd rather just wait and see.

2. The lack of _________________ in her speech made it difficult to figure out what point she was trying to make.

3. Under the _________________ of my older brother, I became a much better soccer player.

4. My year seemed to be off to an ____________________ start; I was doing all of my homework and getting As in every class.

5. I was mislead by her _________________ argument; even though it was false, it was so convincing that I believed her.

6. My mother always _________________ my hair before a dance recital.

7. _________________ is to involve as complement is to flatter.

8. _________________ is to explain as exemplify is to illustrate.

9. _________________ is to rigid as stylized is to natural.

10. _________________ is to superficial as stentorian is to soft-spoken.

Commas, Semicolons, and Colons

Click here for a document outlining the uses of colons and semicolons versus commas.

Into the Wild - Chapter 16 Reflections

1. Examine the epigraphs at the beginning of Chapter 16.  Try to paraphrase each one in your own words.  Also, how would you describe the tone of each?
2. Krakauer mentions a number of instances in which Chris shows his lack of experience and knowledge in Chapter 16.  Identify three and reflect on their significance.
3. In Chapter 16, we see once again the charisma and charm that Chris has on others.  Find a direct quote that illustrates this and explain it.
4. Chapter 16 could be considered the beginning of the tragic part of the story.  Explain how this is true using two specific examples from the chapter.

This I Believe

Here is a copy of my brainstorming and sample This I Believe essay.

Here is the product descriptor.

Comma Practice

Read the following sentences and place commas where necessary.

1. We went to Bar Harbor but did not take the ferry to Nova Scotia.

2. The ginkgo tree whose leaves turn bright yellow in the fall came to this country from Asia.

3. The villagers enjoyed fairs festivals and good conversation.

4. When the intermission was over the members of the audience moved back to their seats.

5. Andy took the elevator to the third floor rushed into the office and asked to see his father.

6. When he stumbled over your feet William was clumsy not rude.

7. She listened to her favorite record with close careful attention.

8. Jillian who had worked in the dress shop all summer hoped to work there again during the Christmas holidays.

9. You don't want any more hamburgers do you?

Sample Photo Essay

Here is the sample photo essay that I wrote.

Photo Essay Assignment

Here is the product descriptor for the photo essay.


Here is how Murray organizes his essay.  Consider organizing yours in the same way.

1. Reflects on idea of photograph and idea of looking back on the past

2. Describes in general terms photos from his past and how he feels about them

-Describes some specific photos from his childhood
-Uses photos to show how he has changed over time
-Talks about himself in the third person sometimes and talks about family members as strangers

3. Moves into discussing one specific photo
-Describes what he sees in the photo - specific details
-Describes what he remembers feeling in the photo
-Describes what hasn't happened yet - uses multiple examples

4. Discusses how he has changed

5. Makes some final reflections - concludes
-We can never go back to who we once where

Vocabulary List One

Find definitions for the following words:

complementary

denizen

dichotomy

exemplify

exotic

invest

paramount

pragmatic

replica

stylized

"Shooting Dad" Analysis

As you consider what Sarah Vowell "does" in her essay "Shooting Dad," consider the following:

Find two places where Vowell uses humor or sarcasm.

Find two places where Vowell tells a specific story.

Find two places where Vowell contrasts.

Find two places where Vowell uses repetition (repeats a word or phrase over and over).

Find one place where Vowell provides history/background information.

Find two places where Vowell compares something to something else.


Choose one of these instances and explain the effect of what she does.

What a Text "Does"

What a Text Does

The “Does” part will include phrases like:

• introduces by…
• presents the thesis
• provides history
• gives background information
• sets the scene by…
• sets up the argument by…
• elaborates/gives more information on…
• presents an opposing view to…
• narrows the focus
• presents an example of…
• provides evidence
• changes the tone from… to… in order to…
• summarizes the view of others…
• contrasts the views of others…
• convinces the reader of the arguments validity/importance by…
• contrasts the previous paragraph’s view that…. by now saying….
• prepares the reader for the idea that…. by doing…
• uses humor to...
• uses sarcasm to…
• develops the character
• establishes the purpose by…
• compares
• contrasts
• narrates/tells a story
• describes
• explains
• etc.
• lists
• categorizes
• evokes an emotional response

Note: These are just some of the things a text might do.  Use these words/sentence starters to help you get started in thinking about what a text does.

Says/Does Analysis of "Let It Snow"

Here is a presentation on a says/does analysis of "Let It Snow" by David Sedaris.

The Stranger in the Photo is Me

Here is Donald Murray's essay The Stranger in the Photo is Me.


Here is a student written essay that is inspired by Murray's piece.

"Let It Snow" by David Sedaris

Here is a digital version of the essay "Let It Snow" by David Sedaris.