Questions about "Snake Handling and Redemption"

1. What is Covington's underlying thesis that is guiding this essay? Remember, a thesis is an answer to a question, so you might consider first what Covington's question is.  How might you phrase the thesis?

2. To consider what Covington did that you might do in your essay, look at  how he develops his essay. Indicate, using pg. number  and brief quote, places where he uses each of the following methods of development:

1. brief definition (of a word or term)

2. extended definition (explaining or putting into some context the use of a word or term)

3. comparison/contrast

4. personal narrative

5. illustrative narrative ( a story read or heard secondhand that demonstrates one of the essay's ideas)

5. example given through a scene (people in action, possibly dialogue, to illustrate an idea)

6. explain a process (how something works or happens or is done)

7. facts or statistics

8. categorization (dividing something into types, stages, or degrees)

Though the essay almost reads as effortlessly as a story, and in many parts is a story, the writer certainly did research: observing, interviewing, and  checking outside sources. Summarize a brief example of each type of research.

Now, proceed to When putting together your paper,  and consider these varied writing techniques and how they apply to your topic. Remember, the more varied the methods of development, the better your essay tends to be!