Making Connections Within an Essay

The Longman Writer:
Making Connections Within an Essay
As you edit and proofread your essay, one of the final steps is to ensure that all the connections between your ideas are clear and logical. If your ideas are disjointed, it is difficult for readers to follow your arguments. This could make them lose interest in your essay. In contrast, a smooth flow of ideas ensures that your readers are able to follow your arguments to their logical conclusion.
In this Discussion, you read two essays that offer opposing viewpoints on the issue of immigration. For each essay, you examine how the author creates logical connections between his or her ideas. In addition, you distinguish between the techniques used by each author.
To prepare for this Discussion:
•Review the following selected readings in The Longman Writer: Rhetoric, Reader, Research Guide, and Handbook: 
◦Chapter 9, "Editing and Proofreading" (pp. 117–125)
◦Chapter 18 selection, "The Border On Our Backs" by Roberto Rodriguez (pp. 454–456)
◦Chapter 18 selection, "Se Habla Entitlement" by Star Parker (pp. 458–460)
◦Part VI, "A Concise Handbook" 
◾"Comma" (pp. 626–630)
◾"Apostrophe" (pp. 635–637)
◾"Spelling" (pp. 645–648)
•Consider how the authors of the two essays present their opposing points of view. How are their arguments different and how are they similar?
•Think about how each author makes connections between the ideas within his or her essay. What editing strategies can you identify within their writing?
****** write2–3 paragraphs comparing how Rodriguez and Parker make connections in their essays. What approaches does each author take to ensure there is a coherent and logical flow between their ideas? Be sure to include the following:
•Identify specific connections in the essays.
•Cite at least two examples from your reading.
•Check for correct commas, apostrophes, and spelling.