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Exercise 4
Reread body paragraphs two and three of the essay that Mariah is writing. Then answer
the questions on your own sheet of paper.
- In body paragraph two, Mariah decided to develop her paragraph as a nonfiction
narrative. Do you agree with her decision? Explain. How else could she have chosen to
develop the paragraph? Why is that better? - Compare the writing styles of paragraphs two and three. What evidence do you have that
Mariah was getting tired or running out of steam? What advice would you give her?
Why? - Choose one of these two body paragraphs. Write a version of your own that you think
better fits Mariah’s audience and purpose.
Writing a Title
A writer’s best choice for a title is one that alludes to the main point of the entire essay.
Like the headline in a newspaper or the big, bold title in a magazine, an essay’s title
gives the audience a first peek at the content. If readers like the title, they are likely to
keep reading.
Following her outline carefully, Mariah crafted each paragraph of her essay. Moving step
by step in the writing process, Mariah finished the draft and even included a brief
concluding paragraph (you will read her conclusion in Chapter 8 "Writing Essays: From
Start to Finish"). She then decided, as the final touch for her writing session, to add an
engaging title.
Writing Your Own First Draft
Now you may begin your own first draft, if you have not already done so. Follow the
suggestions and the guidelines presented in this section.