Barrett 1

Prentice Hall Chapter 4 Review

Read Prentice Hall pages 198-211 and answer the following questions.

1. What is the difference between Division and Classification?

Writing using division consists of taking one subject and then breaking it
into smaller units so as to heighten understanding of the object as a
whole. Division is meant to describe the key elements and components
of the subject. On the other hand, classification in writing uses two or
more subject initially and categorizes them into different sections.

2. Why is it important to use Parallelism in this type of writing?

Using parallelism is vital for these types of writing. This technique ensures
that one’s writing is free of vague and general “other” subdivisions in which
classified items could be incorrectly labeled. One way to identify that
parallelism is included (as outlined in Prentice Hall Reader, p.203 paragraph
1) is to “see whether your categories are all phrased in similar grammatical
terms”.

3. Read the selection “In Prose” on pages 210-211 and answer

“Questions for Analysis” #1-4 on page 211.

1. What is it about the presentation of this information that suggests it

appeared in a textbook or reference work?

The defining aspect of this writing that placed it in the category of textbook
or reference is the informational writing style. This piece was clearly not
 Barrett 2

written to entertain, but to educate the reader on some details on its

subject.

2. Why is this an example of classification rather than division?

The piece in question discusses “classifying sentences by purpose”, thus

initially telling the readers that the work was classification. Besides this, the
writing follows the classification scheme of taking multiple subjects and
categorizing them.

3. What features of classification can you see in this selection?

As previously stated, the text places several separate subjects into different
groups. The categories being defined were the different types of sentences -
declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory. The selection
proceeds to expound on each type of sentence and give examples of each
kind.

4. Can you think of any other ways in which sentences might be classified?
Think, for example, about the ways in which sentences can be structured.

Sentences might be classified into several different categories. The specific

one discussed involved a sentence’s purposes, but as stated in the question,
structures of sentences are another category. Sentences could also be
classified according to meaning, specifically in different languages and how
translation affects intent.

4. Read David Bodanis’ “What’s In Your Toothpaste” on pages

214-217 and answer the following questions:

a. Questions on Subject and Purpose #1 & 3

1. Bodanis explains to the reader what toothpaste is composed of. Is

his description objective? Could it appear, for example, in an encyclopedia?

Bodanis’s explanation, though highly informative, is not completely

objective. His own personal opinions are sprinkled throughout the essay as
 Barrett 3

he subtilely expresses his disapproval of each new ingredient unveiled in

toothpaste.

3. What might Bodanis’s purpose be? Is he arguing for something?

Is he attacking something?

The author’s purpose in his essay is to expose the ingredients in a typical

tube of toothpaste, though not in a positive light. He almost treats the
individual components as parts of a scandal, pointing out their alleged
purpose as he simultaneously unearths the ingredients’ origins and
alternative uses.

b. Questions on Strategy and Audience #1-3

1. How does Bodanis seem to arrange or order his division?

The arrangement of the division is compiled spatially. He systematically

works his way through toothpaste’s various ingredients, often ordering them
after one another according to how the ingredients react with each other and
balance out.

2. Bodanis gives the most space (three paragraphs) to chalk. Why?

What is his focus in the section?

Bodanis’s reasoning behind the amount of space given to chalk was

likely because the ingredient is so broad. The first paragraph is dedicated to
the origins of chalk. He outlines in detail the history of chalk, which is
gathered from the crushed remnants of oceanic organisms. In the second
and third paragraphs, the author discusses the purpose of chalk in
toothpaste - which is apparently to be the abrasive for scrubbing tooth
enamel.

3. What could Bodanis expect about his audience?

Bodanis could expect many things from his audience. He likely

anticipated that the reader would have little to no prior knowledge of
toothpaste’s ingredients. He probably also predicted that the people viewing
his essay would be deeply interested to find out what exactly is in the
substance that they used daily to clean those pearly whites.
 Barrett 4

c. Questions on Vocabulary and Style #1 & 3

1. How would you characterize the tone of the essay?

The author’s view on the subject is clearly passionate, at least. However,

his tone often portrays a negative view toward toothpaste in general,
grouping brands and manufacturers into one lump of treacherous liars who
are intent on destroying everyone’s smiles.

5. Read Sue Shellenbarger’s “The Peak Time for Everything” on

pages 223-226 and answer the following questions:

a. Questions on Subject and Purpose #1-3

1. What are “circadian rhythms”?

These are the cycles of bodily functioning times. The body’s natural
rhythms related to the mind, physicality, and energy. The cycle follows a
roughly 24-hour time scheme.

2. How do daily activities clash with “circadian rhythms of waking

and sleeping”?

People often complete their daily rituals of exercise, eating, and

concentration according to their busy schedules rather than according to
their body’s optimal energy levels. As a result, we find ourselves exhausted
by the end of the day, and distracted as we are trying to concentrate. Even
our eating habits need to follow the body’s rhythms for optimal use of the
energy provided by it.

3. Why would this subject be particularly appropriate for a column

that focuses on “work and family”?

If everyone who read this article followed its suggestions for the
times to properly perform daily activities, they would likely find their times
of concentration were easier to perform without getting distracted. In work
setting, this idea could massively aid employees to perform in their
 Barrett 5

maximum ability. This would affect families in the way that since everyone
was working in their rhythms, the members of respective families would
overlap. Take, for instance, the eating cycles - family members would
probably end up eating together more often, which would encourage
fellowship and bonding, especially if the eating occurred during the specified
hours in which happiness and cheeriness are at their peaks.

b. Questions on Vocabulary and Style #2 & 3

2. How effective is the first sentence of the essay? Did it catch your
attention? Did it make you want to read on? Why or why not?

The opening sentence draws the readers in like flies to honey:

“Could you pack more into each day if you did everything at the optimal
time?” I, among many others, am fascinated by the elusive nature of time,
and how best to control it. As a result, this sentence not only caught my
attention and made me want to read on, but also made me want to change
my daily habits to suit their best times. This is because the vast majority of
people have no qualms about the many benefits that result from
reorganizing different activities to different times of the day.

3. Be prepared to define the following words: optimal (paragraph 1)

and chronotypes (9).

While this demand was in fact not a question, I am nonetheless

prepared to face the challenge of defining these words. The dictionary
defines the word optimal as “best or most favorable”. The connotation
entails a feeling of victory at having achieved the best object or idea to be
had. Chronotype, however, is explained as “a person's natural inclination
with regard to the times of day when they prefer to sleep or when they are
most alert or energetic”. While this definition

speaks for itself, I shall attempt to elaborate on it in more simple terms. A

chronotype is basically a body’s natural instinct for the best times to
complete different habitual actions.
Savannah Barrett Barrett 6

Professor Winkler

Composition - AOL5

31 August 2017 Barrett 6

Channel Surfing:

An Overview of TV Genres

Since its first invention in 1927, television has developed into a household
appliance through which one can be informed or entertained, thanks to its
channels and genres. The creation of this device has opened up several new
occupations - for instance, a television cameraman or an on-screen
meteorologist. Television has also allowed millions of people around the
globe to access resources and enjoyment with just the press of a button.
There are so many different channels to explore now on a TV, each with so
much to offer, that the possibilities and categories are nearly endless.
Thankfully, all these genres are now available through either “all-in-one”
broadcast networks or genre-dedicated channels.

One of these well-known genres is the informational category. Options

such as the History Channel, various news stations, National Geographic, or
the weather station would be found here. This section of the TV manual
opens one’s eyes to a whole other world of exciting knowledge. One could
find documentaries about spies during the Civil War on one channel, and
step into the world of the past, learning new things about America’s history.
Flipping channels could virtually transport a person to a local news station,
as reporters crowd in around the scene of a deadly highway car crash, or
rush to get the scoop on the latest political updates from the White House.
Yet another network transports the viewer to a cooking show, where an
Italian chef excitedly demonstrates how to make pasta puttanesca. The
informative genre opens the door to an arena of learning, whether it be
about political agendas, the olden days, or the bear population in Alaska. It
is here that knowledge is poured forth from many minds and is passed on to
the viewer.

Another type of program easily found on the television is entertainment.

This set of channels includes vintage and modern shows and movies, as well
 Barrett 7

as sports coverage. People visiting these channels may wish to unwind after
a long day or week, and relax in front of the screen while watching their
favorite lineup. Here one can look on as their favorite characters in a film or
show wrestle with their emotions in a drama, or join in ‘Hogan’s Heroes’ as
the WWII prisoners of war plot ways to sabotage the German army from the
inside. The press of a button can bring them over to a sports broadcast,
where the two top football teams are battling it out for a touchdown, the
clock ticking as the players tackle one another for the ball. The remote
could then lead one over to a game show, where the host is calling out the
million-dollar question as the audience waits in suspense to see who will win
on this episode.

Still another option, mostly for children or adults who are young at heart,
is the kids’ channel. This area can bring little ones into the world of ‘Barney’,
where they’ll ride along for the adventure in the world of the purple dinosaur
and his friends. Or, if fuzzy fuchsia dinosaurs frighten the youngsters,
parents could try other shows on PBS Kids. Shows like ‘Fetch! With Ruff
Ruffman’ guides older children through science, history, and more. Super
Why will fly around with his friends to collect letters and form words, and
afterwards the kids can step into Clifford’s world, watching the big red dog
and his adventures.

Although the viewing options and categories for TV watchers are varied
greatly, each is customizable. Families sitting in front of the television for a
movie night can enjoy a great film that promotes a sweet message, or learn
about the Vietnam War through an intriguing docudrama. Groups of friends
can gather together despite their differences as they settle down to cheer for
their favorite team in the big game. Children can be taught the alphabet as
they giggle at Elmo’s antics or learn bits of Spanish with little explorer Dora.
Regardless of what one might turn on the TV to watch, the miracle of
technology and all it can show us is amazing. However, it is still built by
human and imperfect hands, and as Christians we must be more and more
careful now of what we are watching. Damaging messages are being
projected from some of things we see on the screen. The world at large is
growing more corrupt. So no matter how many options the television
presents, remember the old adage - “be careful little eyes what you see”.