Short Takes: Model Essays for Composition

by Elizabeth Penfield, Theodora Hill

This lively collection of fifty-three short, readable selections by both student and professional writers provides useful models of the rhetorical modes. In addition to familiar names such as Barbara Ehrenreich, Richard Rodriguez, and William Raspberry, this reader features many fresh voices such as Anchee Min, Thomas Sowell, Anna Quindlen, Michael Chabon, and Dave Barry. Detailed chapter openers offer strategies for using each rhetorical mode, including short examples from the readings within each chapter. Headnotes for each essay give a brief biography of its author, explain its context, and pinpoint one of the writer's techniques. Questions on "Organization and Ideas" and "Technique and Style" and many suggestions for writing journal entries and essays follow each selection. Each chapter ends with additional writing assignments that ask students to compare two or more of the essays.

Genres: Nonfiction, School

298 pages, 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.