We are making some great progress on the analysis of the cremation article. By now you should have pared down the central idea of the article to one precise sentence. Then, in your groups, you identified three ways that Kevin Sack supported that central idea.
First of all, he opened the paper up with a personal story about the Kelly family. Tomorrow I'll be asking why he chose to start the paper this way. What benefits does a personal story have in a nonfiction article?
Second, he loaded the paper with numbers: facts, figures, statistics, data. These numbers can carry a lot of weight; however, a popular saying is, "If you torture a statistic long enough, you can get it to say anything you want." What does that mean? How does that apply to this article?
By the way another famous saying is, "98% of all statistics are made up." What are your thoughts on that phrase? I'll be asking you tomorrow!
Third, he used the most important supporting device: the expert interview. It's great to talk to people who are knowledgeable about the topic you are discussing. Yet, even here, you need to tread carefully. What should you be wary of when looking at expert opinions?
We'll have another look at a precise/concise/vivid sentence or two tomorrow.
We'll spend a bit of time making some cause and effect statements.
We will also have a bit of time with our nonfiction books. EVERYONE should have it in class tomorrow!
"So much to do, so much to see." I'll sign your Archer card if you tell me what great 90's hit those lyrics are from.
See you tomorrow.
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