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A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Key Words

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One of the strategies Jessica Statsky uses to make her argument coherent is to introduce key words in the thesis and forecasting statement, and to repeat them or their synonyms when they reappear later in the essay. For example, in paragraph 2, Statsky identifies one of her main reasons for opposing competitive sports for young children—namely, that they can be “physically and psychologically harmful.” In paragraphs 3–5, Statsky discusses first the risk of actual physical injury and then the psychological fear of being hurt. In these paragraphs, Statsky repeats the key words physical and psychological, as well as synonyms for harm such as injury and hurt. The repetition of these key words and synonyms makes it easy for readers to follow this part of her argument.

ANALYZE & WRITE

Printed Page 260

Write a paragraph analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness with which Estrada repeats key words or their synonyms:

  1. Reread paragraph 2, in which Estrada first states his thesis. What key words does he use to assert his moral opposition to the practice of using ethnic group names and images for sports teams?
  2. Find other places in the essay where Estrada uses synonyms or related words for these key words to indicate why he thinks the practice is morally wrong.
  3. How do these strategies work to make the essay clear and coherent?

    Question

    undefined. ANALYZE & WRITE