“Our Barbies, Ourselves” Questions
DIRECTIONS:
Read the essay and provide thoughtful, thorough answers to the following questions:
What is the writer’s purpose? Even writers pursuing the same goalto tell a story or explain a processhave slightly different intentions. What is the goal of the writingto raise questions, motivate readers to take action, or change people’s perceptions?
What is the thesis? What is the writer’s main idea? Is the thesis explicitly stated, developed throughout the essay, or only implied? Can you state the thesis in your own words?
What evidence does the writer provide to support the thesis? Does the writer use personal observations, narratives, facts, statistics, or examples to keep his or her conclusions?
How does the writer organize the essay? How does he or she introduce readers to the topic, develop ideas, arrange information, and conclude the essay? How does the writer use modes?
Who are the intended readers? What does the original source of the document tell you about its intended audience? Does the writer direct the essay to a particular group or a general readership? Are technical or uncommon terms defined? What knowledge does the writer seem to assume readers already possess?
How successful is the writingin context? Does the writer achieve his or her goals while respecting the needs of the reader and the conventions of the discipline or situation? Are there particular considerations that cause the writer to break the “rules of good writing”? Why?
What can you learn about writing? What does this writer teach you about using words, writing sentences, and developing paragraphs? Are there any techniques you can use in future assignments?
