Page 32 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Revising
Revising for Language and Writer’s Craft
Rhetorical devices show ideas in interesting ways and help your ideas have a lasting effect on your reader. Examples of rhetorical devices are parallelism, analogy, and rhetorical questions.
• Parallelism is using the same structure for similar parts of a sentence. Use parallelism to add balance, rhythm, and clarity to a sentence.
Examples: She writes music and practices her guitar every afternoon after school. (parallel verbs)
The backpack held three books, two folders, and one snack. (parallel objects)
• An analogy compares two things and expresses the relationship between them. Use an analogy to explain or clarify an idea or object.
Example: My need to use a computer is like my need for food and water.
• A rhetorical question is either not meant to be answered or suggests a desired reply. Use rhetorical questions to emphasize an idea or to draw a conclusion from the facts. A rhetorical question may help remind your reader of a main point. Examples: Is that truly what we want for the environment? How can these facts lie?
11. Rewrite at least one sentence from the class essay to add a rhetorical device, and then share your proposed revision with the class.
Another stylistic choice is varying sentence structure. One way to do this is by beginning a sentence with something other than the subject. For example, you could begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase or adverb. These words or phrases can be transitional. Notice that prepositional phrases and adverbs at the beginnings of sentences are usually set off with commas.
In the afternoon, we enjoy listening to music. (prepositional phrase) Generally, the lunchroom is crowded just before the bell rings. (adverb)
12. Rewrite at least one sentence from the class essay to enhance sentence variety, and then share your proposed revision with the class.
Coherence refers to the logical organization of the essay and how the ideas are tied together to flow smoothly, thus making the essay easy for the reader to follow. One way to revise for coherence is to use transitional words within and between paragraphs. Another is to use varied sentence structures.
Transitional words and phrases help you move from one idea, sentence or paragraph to another.
Transitions that show comparison and contrast: similarly, on the other hand, in contrast, different from, like, unlike, same as, in the same way, nevertheless, likewise, conversely
Transitions that show a conclusion: as a result, therefore, finally, last, in conclusion, in summary
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY Rhetorical devices are specific techniques used in writing or speaking to create a literary effect or enhance effectiveness.
Writing Workshop 3 • Expository Writing: Compare and Contrast 7
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