writing

English 101

Skeleton Exercise

Considering the Essay II assignment, and your initial rhetorical analysis of the ‘media text’ you chose, please complete a ‘skeleton’ of the main points you believe you will cover in the body paragraphs of the essay. A skeleton exercise is a quick way to ‘fit’ your ideas to the assignment, so that your plan ‘matches’ the expectations.

Step 1: Identify the ‘media text’ you will analyze

Step 2: present 4-5 main points in topic sentence form.

Step 3: provide an ‘overview’ of your “E” idea. The “E” can be either ‘evidence’ from the ‘media text’, a general/universal example, or a quote from a secondary source. Check the Essay II assignment for help as well – remember that there are specific directives for the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs Required in Essay

· Body Paragraph #1 – Summary/description of ‘media text’ (inform your audience on the ‘media text’ you chose)

· (E) -> how will you ‘organize’ description or summary of the text; what ‘key elements’ will you focus on?

· Body Paragraph #2 – Identify the Target Audience

· (E) -> possible ‘evidence’ that supports or confirms who the TA is.

Body Paragraph Options to for Each Writer to Choose

· Body Paragraph – Identify a specific ‘Message’ you think exists in the media text or specific point on how the text manipulates the audience

· (E) -> share key element (evidence) that supports what you think the message is.

· Body Paragraph – Make Claim on a specific ‘Effect’ (or effectiveness if an ad) of the message you identified

· (E) -> Key evidence from the media text, a ‘universal’ example, or a secondary source quote that supports.

· Body Paragraph - Optional 5th Paragraph – Another Effect or Something Else. If not another effect paragraph (say a second message paragraph or a ‘manipulation’ paragraph), carefully consider the organization/order of paragraphs.

· (E) -> Key evidence, ‘universal’ example, or secondary source as support

After identifying your ‘media text’, and perhaps brainstorming about it, please open a new document and begin to work through your skeleton.

Example:

Step 1: American’s for the Arts “Homer” print ad

Step 2: Create potential topic sentences that properly respond to the assignment

1. (Description/Summary of Ad) The americansforthearts.org print ad prominently features a humorous message to inform the audience on the decline of art education.

-E

2. (Target Audience) While the potential audience may be for anyone with an interest in art, the ad focuses on reaching parents and educators who see art as integral to any education.

-E

3. (Message) – The ad attempts to raise concern on the issue of art education, and uses humor to encourage the audience to actively and financially join the fight to save it.

-E

4. (Effect) – Increasing the role of art education in the lives of students, especially those in financially challenged school systems, can lead to a new generation of young adults who are more thoughtfully engaged in the world around them.

-E