EXERCISE 8.7
Evaluating Paragraphs, Unity, and Coherence
The student essay by Robin Ferguson on volunteering in a literacy program was written using the graphic organizer shown in Chapter 7. Read the essay and answer the questions that follow.
1. Identify each of the topic sentences in the body of the essay (between the introduction and the conclusion). Evaluate how well each supports the thesis.
2. What type(s) of evidence does Ferguson use to support each topic sentence?
3. What method(s) does Ferguson use to arrange her details logically within paragraphs?
4. Identify transitions that Ferguson uses to connect her ideas, both within and between paragraphs.