Short Takes: Model Essays for Composition

by Elizabeth Penfield

This lively collection of fifty-eight short, readable essays provides useful models of the rhetorical modes. Along with familiar names like Maya Angelou and Russell Baker, the text features many new voices such as Bharati Mukherjee, Humberto Fontova, and Bjorn Skogquist. Detailed chapter openers discuss the writing process and introduce each rhetorical mode; headnotes for each essay give a brief biography of its author and explains its context. The introductory section "Freeze Frame" establishes the reading and writing connection, a concept reinforced throughout the text. For those interested in improving their critical thinking, reading and writing skills.

Genres: Nonfiction, School

Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Sisdr]

After year after frustrating year trying to find a textbook that simply states how we think and why we write down our thinking for others to read, Elizabeth Penfield, in her book Short Takes, captures the essay-writing process and modes of thinking in nine short chapters. This is perfect for the eight-week semester. Thanks for the carrot Mz. Penfield, year 22 teaching might just be more possible because of your gifts.

[Edward]

I am currently using this book in Summer School The kids and I are thoroughly enjoying the variety of voices, variety of approaches, and the variety of issues that are likely to remain with us for some time. Some of the voices are quirky or humorous, despite the seriousness of the writer's purpose. It makes for a good atmosphere during classroom discussion.