on an exam if you are given an essay to read & then deconstruct.....how do you do this
Thanks
When you construct an essay, you should be following the writing process.
1. Brainstorming, organizing, thesis statement, outlining
2. Rough draft writing
3. Revising, editing, proofreading
To deconstruct an already written essay, you need to almost do the process in reverse -- and what you end up with should be identification of the thesis statement and an outline of the main and supporting points of the essay.
Basically, deconstructing an essay is another way to analyze it. Remember: Analysis is taking it apart and evaluating the pieces; synthesizing is putting it all together again.
http://www.exampleessays.com/viewpaper/17587.html
http://paintist.wordpress.com/2007/03/03/deconstructing-the-5-paragraph-essay/
To deconstruct an essay, you typically follow a systematic approach that involves breaking down the essay into its constituent parts and analyzing each part separately. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to deconstruct an essay effectively on an exam:
1. Read the essay thoroughly: Begin by reading the essay carefully, paying close attention to the main arguments, thesis statement, and supporting evidence presented by the author.
2. Identify the main thesis statement: Determine the central idea or thesis statement of the essay. This is typically the main point that the author is trying to convey throughout the piece.
3. Analyze the essay structure: Examine how the essay is structured. Look for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Check if the author follows a logical sequence of ideas or if there are any inconsistencies.
4. Identify the supporting evidence: Evaluate the evidence and examples provided by the author to support their claims. Consider whether the evidence is strong, relevant, and credible. Look for any logical fallacies or weak arguments.
5. Analyze the rhetorical devices: Look for any rhetorical devices or persuasive techniques employed by the author, such as ethos, pathos, or logos, as well as figurative language, tone, and style. Consider how these devices contribute to the overall effectiveness of the essay.
6. Evaluate the author's tone and purpose: Consider the tone or attitude of the author towards the subject matter. Determine the author's purpose in writing the essay – whether it is to inform, persuade, entertain, or critique.
7. Consider the essay's context: Reflect on the broader context in which the essay was written. Consider factors like the author's background, historical events, or cultural influences that may have shaped their perspective.
8. Critically assess the essay: Formulate your own opinion about the essay, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. Consider alternative viewpoints or counterarguments that could challenge the author's claims.
9. Summarize and organize your analysis: Create an outline or a brief summary of your deconstruction to help you structure your thoughts and ensure coherence in your response.
10. Write your deconstruction essay: Based on your analysis, construct a well-organized and coherent essay that engages with the main points, arguments, and evidence presented in the original essay. Support your points with relevant examples and evidence from the text.
Remember, deconstructing an essay requires critical thinking skills and the ability to engage with the text effectively. Practice is key, so make sure to familiarize yourself with different essay structures and rhetorical techniques in advance.