CommentonTHINGS刘嘉欣嘉欣
Class: 2 Name: 刘嘉欣 No:25
My comment on THINGS: THE THROW-AWAY SOCIETY
Outline
Class: 2 Name: 刘嘉欣 No:25
1.introduction
2.illustrations and examples
3.thesis
4.conclusion
Alvin Toffler, a U.S. writer and teacher, arouses readers’ curiosity by entitling his essay “Things: The Throw-Away Society”. In this essay the point Toffler arguing for is very clear: the affluent modern society is becoming more and more a throw-away society. To support his contentions, Toffler relies extensively on the method of illustration and example.
An example can be an effective piece of evidence because it can convert a
Class: 2 Name: 刘嘉欣 No:25
general or abstract statement into a meaningful and concrete message and make writing more precise and intelligible. In the first 3 paragraphs of the essay, Toffler uses the example of the Barbie doll, which is obviously a well-chosen example for it has wide-spread popularity throughout the country. In this way, readers do not think that certain idea is beyond their experience and they find it easy to understand the author’s point. To further develop his point, Toffler provides more examples and illustrations in paragraph 7, paragraph 9 and paragraph 10-12 respectively. All those examples enable the readers to see what is actually meant because the examples can
be elaborated in detail, drawn from everyday life , accurate and clear.
Readers are perhapsmay be puzzled by the arrangement of the essay when
they lay eyes on the very beginning of the essay. However, the readersy are soon
guided onto the right track when they have finished reading the first two introductory paragraphs, which are purposed to prepare them for the idea to follow. In the third
paragraph, Toffler places his initial presentation of his thesis directly stated: “…that man’s relationships with things are increasingly temporary.” And in order to impress the readers with his idea, Tiffler repeatedly states his thesis thereafter (for instance, at the beginning of paragraph 7) till fully expressed in his concluding paragraph “This [throw-away] mentality produces, among other things, a set of radically altered values with respect to property.” Toffler’s restatements of his idea prove themselves to be of great help not only in keeping his discussion coherent, but also in making his idea emphatic.
By using the examples and placing the proper position of the thesis, Toffler succeeds not only in presenting his idea clearly but also in appealing to readers’ emotions and reasons.
Class: 2 Name: 刘嘉欣 No:25
You always plan your essay well with logically arranged ideas.
Thank you for your excellent job.
Class: 2 Name: 刘嘉欣 No:25