January 23, 2014 MUGS Shot Essay Modes Homework

ENGLISH 091Developmental Writing

MUGS Shot

Essay Modes:Different kinds of essays…

• Narration• Description• Example• Process Analysis• Definition• Comparison & Contrast• Cause & Effect• Classification• Persuasion

The Narrative Essay“How can I make the story of what happened to me clear and easy for my

readers to follow?”

• A narrative essay tells a story…

• It can be either fictional or real-life.

• The more “real” it is for you, the better you will tell it. (Sometimes our imaginations are more real to us than our daily lives.)

The Descriptive Essay“How can I capture the sense of energy and excitement for

my reader?”

• A descriptive essay paints a picture with words…

• It appeals to the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.

• It can also appeal to emotions.

The Example Essay“I want to make sure people who read my essay understand

my subject the way I do.”

• In this essay, you use specific instance to illustrate, clarify, or back up a point.

• Examples are very helpful to readers who may be unfamiliar with your subject.

• “Honesty is the best policy!”

The Process Analysis Essay“How do I explain how this things works to my reader?”

• Process Analysis is a “how to do it” essay.

• You show in words how to get something done: what the steps are from beginning to end.

• Finally, you tell what you will have when the process is finished.

The Definition Essay “How do I present the meaning to that another person will

understand it the way I do?”

• A definition essay gives the meaning of a word, term or concept.

• The denotation of a word is its dictionary definition.

• The connotation of a word is its informal or slang meaning in daily usage.

The Comparison-Contrast Essay“What is the best way to write about subjects that have

similarities and differences?”

• Comparison tells how things are alike and contrast shows how they are different.

• In this essay, you normally show either comparison or contrast, but you can tell both if you want.

The Cause & Effect Essay“How can I explain what made a situation happen and what

occurred as a result of it?”

• A cause & effect essay tells how things affect each other; how they depend on each other.

• An effect may have one cause or several different clauses.

The Classification Essay“How can I simplify a number of aspects and elements?”

• A classification essay breaks down a general subject into classes (categories or groups.)

• You can classify either things or ideas.

• You decide how you will classify your topic, but always go from general to specific.

The Persuasive/Argument Essay“What is the best way to present my stand on a subject so that I can persuade

my reader to consider what I have to say?”

• In the persuasive essay, or argument essay, you are writing to get your audience to accept your point of view and think like you do.

Assignment: For EACH of the modes of composition, write one THESIS (topic sentence) on the following topic:

FAST FOOD

Due: Tuesday, January 28th .

Homework