Written by Paul Roberts is a piece titled, "How to Say Nothing in 500 Words," where he describes how to avoid getting C's and D's on 500 word essays. Paul Roberts, being known for countless English textbooks as well as taking a scientific approach to the language- understanding what makes writing effective or not- he is a worthy source of information. Roberts explains to its presumably college or possibly even high school level audience how to and how NOT to write essays. He combines rhetorical devices such as juxtaposition, ambiguity and wit in order to present his ideas to the audience. He will take an example of writing, and while the audience may assume this is an exemplar, but then he throws out several paragraphs of writing, and makes it clear that, "THIS WAS ALL A LIE." By using this strategy of betraying expectations, it acts as a signal to the reader, telling them they should be sure they are paying attention. This allows Roberts to assure his readers are not only skimming the context and exposition of his essay, but truly understand the meat of his points. He also uses convincing perspective, by providing the audience with the perspective of the teacher/professor that is grading the work. Small details such as getting a C or D depending on the teacher's mood supplements his writing by adding realism and a bit of humor to the scenario, creating a more convincing argument.
I think Roberts does an excellent job at portraying his point. By keeping the reading very interested and focused using his witty juxtapositions, making his essay relatable through his football analogy (Having to write on a topic you have an insubstantial stance on), and the way he gives purpose to every little detail, he makes very clear and helps tips to allow students to understand the secrets to bad writing, and how to improve it.
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