Analyze the oration from paragraph 28.
Does he place the topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraphs?
Does he frequently use transition sentences?
Do you think the outline of this as distinct as that of Macaulay’s Essay on Milton? Should it be?
What figure of speech in the word “axe” in paragraph 32, and “bayonet” in paragraph 36?
What figure at the end of paragraph 40?
Does he use figures as frequently as Macaulay?
EXERCISES.
This year, taking up the study of exposition, offers especially good opportunities for exercises in paragraph and [124] sentence construction. During the first eight or ten weeks the pupils will write isolated paragraphs. The unity and arrangement of these should be carefully criticised. Also the exercises should be arranged so that the pupils will employ all forms of paragraphs. Before he begins to write a paragraph, the pupil should know what he is to include in it, and in what order; otherwise the paragraph will fail in unity and effective massing. Paragraphs are made by forethought, not by inspiration.
Following the writing of isolated paragraphs is the composition of the long essay. The first thing is a study of outlines. This will take up six or eight weeks. To secure the view of the whole in different arrangements, use the cards.