Before Reading

Preview the Author’s Purpose

Read about expressive writing and unity in the Reader’s Toolbox on page 809 of your textbook. As you read, look for the main point Vanhooser wants to make and try to decide whether she achieves unity.

During Reading

Identify Author’s Purpose

1. Read the first page. What is the main point the author makes? Keep this point in mind as you read the rest of the essay.

2. As you read the rest of the essay, stick a flag where you think the author is making an important point related to her main idea. If you do not have sticky notes, make a note in a chart like the Graphic Organizer on page 809.

Fix-Up Idea: Read Aloud/Think Aloud

If you are having trouble flagging important points, work with a partner to do a read and think aloud. Read two or three paragraphs aloud. Stop and think aloud with your partner about the section you read. Identify the main idea of the section and your response to what you read. With your partner decide whether to flag the passage.

After Reading

Review the Author’s Purpose

Go back and look at the passages you flagged. Do you think Vanhooser achieved unity in her essay? Summarize her points.