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.