Reverse Outline

Nick Franze, Katherine Salerno,Charles Sigwarth, Francisco Elizalde                                                                             

What was the writer’s thesis?

The final two sentences of the introduction outline the writer’s “freakin’ point , when he says ,”But even the most garbled and indecipherable of them are saying something, and what they have to say is, in terms of social status, a bummer. See, the e-blurt, like so many modes of personal expression, is all about power.”(p. 58).

This idea about a lack of reverence for proper English grammar in professional correspondences communicating power differences and social elitism is carried throughout the piece.

What were their main points?

-I am busier than you, and therefore more powerful.

-I am hip, and speak in cool text speak.

-It isn’t MY job to check my spelling and grammar, that’s the job of the lesser.

Where is the thesis repeated?

At the very end of the piece, he revisits his thesis when he states, “Which only confirms what I’ve always felt about power; that the people who really understand it don’t say anything at all.”(p.69).  

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Chapter 3 Reading Response; Charles Sigwarth

     Chapter 3 addressed the process of structuring and arranging an essay. While there are many different kinds of essay writing styles, (each style having it's own purpose and appropriate prompts), they all have one set of universal traits: an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction of a piece of writing will have an opening and a thesis introducing the topic. This intro focuses the subject matter of the writing while also setting the tone of the piece. The body then elaborates on the points and subject matter introduced in the introduction, and fleshes out the essay. The majority of the essay is in the exposition of the main body of writing. The last section of the essay is the conclusion, which brings together the points of the thesis, (sometimes restating the thesis), and ends the piece of writing. It was addressed that the conclusion should signal the end of the piece, and because of this it's important for the conclusion to maintain the same tone as the rest of the essay, as well as not introduce new points. The last section of chapter three showcased various strategies for an academic writer to use for structuring an essay, by outlining the thesis, main body paragraphs, and conclusions prior to actually writing and drafting the piece.

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Chapter 1 Baseball Questions- Group Response

What is the writer’s main subject?

The influence of performance enhancing drugs in professional baseball, and it’s effect on the culture of the game, and how the powers that be are attempting to change it.

What is the writer’s main point?

The writer seems to be arguing in favor equality, in regards to the use of performance enhancing drugs. Performance enhancing drugs have been used in baseball for decades prior to recent history, and the writer is arguing that there’s no point in trying to regulate the league.

What are the writer’s key supporting points?

- Like it or not, chemical enhancement is here to stay.

- These players are adults and have a right to make decisions for themselves.

- Performance enhancing drugs have been around for decades prior to recent history, and it’s pointless to try and regulate or stop them, because the precedent has already been set and it’s already engrained in the culture.

Does the writer seem to have a particular purpose in mind?

To showcase issues affecting modern baseball while arguing his point trying to persuade the reader that performance enhancing drugs shouldn’t be regulated.  

What kind of audience does the writer seem to be addressing?

The writer seemed to be addressing fans of the game, as well as the public at large.

What are the writer’s assumptions about audience? About subject?

The writer assumes that the audience will agree with him on his topic and viewpoint, and he also assumes that his stance on the subject is the correct one.

Are the writer’s ideas consistent with your own?

No; the consensus was that the use of performance enhancing drugs in professional baseball is not only cheating, but also sets a horrible example for the youth. It also sets an unethical precedent for the sport.

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