In 1958, Paul Roberts helped write
the textbook Understanding English.
He wrote an excerpt called How to Say
Nothing in 500 Words. Throughout the passage he explains how to write a
well-executed 500-word essay that will earn a high grade in a college course.
He expands on ways to make every word count and choosing the write topic and
supporting details. Along with this textbook Roberts also helped write many
other textbooks including English Syntax,
Pattern of English, and English
Sentences. This gives Roberts the necessary credibility for the topic.
In the
first page of the text he uses second person to show that his audience is
college students attempting to write a 500-word essay. He relates to his
audience by saying that after your English instructor assigns an essay it “puts
a good big hole in the weekend”. He also goes on to explain some difficulties
of writing an essay. For example you don’t feel strongly about the topic or
have enough words to say. By saying these things he is relating to his
audience, which helps them to connect to the passage and better understand it.
Also in the
beginning, he forms an anecdote. He tells a short story about you, a student,
who struggles with a 500-word essay on school football. Included in the story
is your difficulty in finding time to write the essay and the full process of
your mind while writing the essay. The short story hits the nail on the head
when talking about students writing essays which greatly appeals to his
audience. However Roberts also sets a foundation and context for the rest of
the text. He makes the reader know that every tip he gives is to better their
essay and increase their grade.
By using an
anecdote and appealing to his audience in many ways Paul Roberts definitely
achieved his purpose of presenting helpful strategies to students in attempt to
better their writing.
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