Thinking critically about italics
This is a two-part activity. When you have finished responding, click Submit after each part to record your answer. If your instructor has assigned this activity, you must answer both parts before your answers will be submitted to the gradebook.
Reading with an eye for italics
Find a passage in a reading that uses italics, preferably more than once in the passage. Note the effect created by the italics. Is it used for emphasis? For unusual or non-English terms? How would the passage differ without any italics? Might the author have italicized any other words or phrases? Respond in the text box below (and also indicate the source of the passage).
Find a passage in a reading that uses italics, preferably more than once in the passage. Note the effect created by the italics. Is it used for emphasis? For unusual or non-English terms? How would the passage differ without any italics? Might the author have italicized any other words or phrases? Respond in the text box below (and also indicate the source of the passage).
Read the following passage about a graduate English seminar carefully, particularly noting the effects created by the italics. How would it differ ...
Thinking about your own use of italics
In the box below, write a paragraph or two describing the most eccentric person you know, italicizing some words for special emphasis. Read your passage aloud to hear the effect of the italics. Now explain each use of italics. If you find yourself unable to give a reason, ask yourself whether the word should be italicized at all.
Also in the box below, revise the passage to eliminate all but one use of italics. Try revising sentences and choosing more precise words to convey emphasis. Decide which version is more effective. Can you reach any conclusions about using italics for emphasis?
In the box below, write a paragraph or two describing the most eccentric person you know, italicizing some words for special emphasis. Read your passage aloud to hear the effect of the italics. Now explain each use of italics. If you find yourself unable to give a reason, ask yourself whether the word should be italicized at all.
Also in the box below, revise the passage to eliminate all but one use of italics. Try revising sentences and choosing more precise words to convey emphasis. Decide which version is more effective. Can you reach any conclusions about using italics for emphasis?
Write a paragraph or two describing the most eccentric person you know, italicizing some words for special emphasis. Read your passage aloud to...