Now that we’ve covered the essay, let’s talk about an essay! First, read My Brother Died. His Facebook Page Lives On. – The Atlantic
Here are a few tips for writing about something you’ve read:
- Read the thing (at least) twice. You’ll develop a much stronger impression after a second reading because you’ll know what it’s about and how it ends, which lets your brain focus on the details and structure of the writing instead of just the content.
- Avoid a summary-heavy response. Instead, analyze! Listen to your gut reaction and then try to explain why you had that reaction and what the author did to make the writing effective (or ineffective).
- Always refer to an author by their full name or last name (never first name only).
For this topic, compose a thread in which you answer the following questions:
- What is the essay’s thesis statement? (Hint: this longer essay has a multiple paragraph introduction, so the thesis isn’t in the first paragraph as it would be in a shorter essay).
- Did you find this essay relatable on any level? Why or why not?
- This is a personal essay, but like all essays, it’s written with a reader in mind. What are some strategies you believe Ms. Burlock used to forge a connection with the reader?
Overall, you should compose a thread of at least 150 words answering all three of the above questions. For this topic, you are not required to reply to classmates’ posts, although you may if you want to.
