How to writing well_5

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How to writing well_5 259 CHAPTER 9 - E XPOSITION We are beginning to identify the reasons for the behavior of Mun- 10 chausen patients, but we are still far from knowing how to free them of their remarkably creative compulsion for self-destructive behavior. Questions on Content, Structure, and Style 1. Why does Lipsitt begin his essay with reference to Thomas Mann’s character in Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man? 2. What effect does the essay’s title have on readers? Why didn’t Lipsitt simply call this essay “Munchausen Disease”? 3. Why does Lipsitt feel this syndrome is important to understand? How does this problem affect the health-care system? 4. Why explain the origin of the syndrome’s name? 5. Why does Lipsitt use specific examples of “deceptions” to develop his extended definition? 6. Similarly, why does Lipsitt offer examples of actual patients? Would additional examples be helpful? 7. How does Lipsitt use contrast as a technique of definition in para- graph 4? 8. What other strategy of definition does Lipsitt employ in para- graphs 6–9? Why might readers interested in understanding this syn- drome want such discussion? 9. Evaluate the essay’s conclusion. Is it an effective choice for this essay? 10. After reading Lipsitt’s descriptive details, examples, and analysis, do you feel you now have a general understanding of a new term? If the writer were to expand his definition, what might he add to make your understanding even more complete? More statistics? Case studies? Testimony from doctors or patients themselves? Suggestions for Writing Try using Don Lipsitt’s “The Munchausen Mystery” as a stepping-stone to your essay. Select a puzzling or “mysterious” subject from a field of study (e.g., black holes in space) or from an interest you have explored (or would like to explore). Write an extended definition, as Lipsitt did, that explains this mystery for your readers. As appropriate, include information about its char- acteristics, parts, history, possible causes, effects, solutions, benefits, or dangers. Or explore a well-known mystery, such as Stonehenge, the Bermuda Triangle, the Loch Ness monster, the Marfa lights, King Tut’s “curse,” Big Foot, the Roswell “aliens,” or perhaps even a local ghost. Remember your essay should offer in-depth explanation, not just general description. 260 PART TWO - PURPOSES, MODES, AND STRATEGIES Vocabulary fabricates (1) sputum (4) paradoxically (7) mimic (2) palpably (4) odyssey (9) incurs (2) feasible (4) hypochondriacs (4) psychoanalytic (7) ✎ A REVISION WORKSHEET As you write your rough drafts, consult Chapter 5 for guidance through the re- vision process. In addition, here are a few questions to ask yourself as you revise your extended definition essay: 1. Is the subject narrowed to manageable size, and is the purpose of the definition clear to the readers? 2. If the definition is objective, is the language as neutral as possible? 3. If the definition is subjective, is the point of view obvious to the readers? 4. Are all the words and parts of the definition itself clear to the essay’s particular audience? 5. Are there enough explanatory methods (examples, descriptions, history, causes, effects, etc.) used to make the definition clear and informative? 6. Have the various methods been organized and ordered in an effective way? 7. Does the essay contain enough specific details to make the definition clear and distinct rather than vague or circular? Where could addi- tional details be added? After you’ve revised your essay extensively, you might exchange rough drafts with a classmate and answer these questions for each other, making specific suggestions for improvement wherever appropriate. ( For advice on productive participation in classroom workshops, see pages 110–112.) Reviewing Your Progress After you have completed your essay developed by definition, take a mo- ment to measure your progress as a writer by responding to the following questions. Such analysis will help you recognize growth in your writing skills and may enable you to identify areas that are still problematic. 1. What do you like best about your essay? Why? 2. After considering the various methods of definition you used in your essay, which one do you think offered the clearest or most persuasive 261 CHAPTER 9 - E XPOSITION explanation of your topic? Why was that particular technique effective in this essay? 3. What part of your essay gave you the most trouble? How did you over- come the problem? 4. If you had more time to work on this essay, what would receive addi- tional attention? Why? 5. What did you learn about your topic from writing this essay? About yourself as a writer? STRATEGY FIVE: DEVELOPMENT BY DIVISION AND CLASSIFICATION To make large or complex subjects easier to comprehend, we frequently apply the principles of division or classification. Division Division is the act of separating something into its component parts so that it may be better understood or u ...