Focusing on Structure: Try It Yourself

Using the prompts below, make notes in the writing space about the structure, pattern, and purpose of the essay you have been assigned.

1		Structure: Is there anything unusual or noteworthy about the structure of the essay? What do you notice? How does this structure contribute to your understanding of the essay?
2		Pattern: What pattern of development does this essay use? Is it an argument, an explanation, a definition, an evaluation, a comparison/contrast, or something else?
3		Purpose: What is the author trying to do in this essay? How can you tell?