Becoming a Writer

P 204
1. Baker makes good use of transitional expressions, repetition of word and
ideas, and pronoun references in paragraph 1 and 2.
a. Carefully reread the paragraphs, and identify where he employs these
technique.
i. The technique is used by him identifying himself with the
pronoun I several times in paragraph one as well as the pronoun
me. He also uses repetition in paragraph two by using the word
prim or primly many times in describing describing Mr. Fleagle
and his attire.
2. Examine the transitions Baker uses between paragraphs from paragraph 4 to
the end of the essay.
a. Explain how these transitions work to make the paragraphs flow from
one to another.
i. Bakers transitions work because they tie his paragraphs
together by placing key thoughts or phrases at both the end of
one and the beginning of the next paragraph.

3. How does Baker describe his English teacher, Mr. Fleagle, in the second
paragraph.
a. He looked to be stuffy, dull, hopelessly out of date and prim to a fault
b. Why does he repeat word prim throughout the paragraph?
i. To solidify the idea of how very old fashioned he was.
c. Why is the vivid description important to the essay as a whole?
i. It shows the major transitions from Mr. Fleagle being boring to
being one of the finest teachers in Mr. Baker mind.

4. What does Baker write about in his informal essay for Mr. Fleagle?
a. Mr. Baker writes about his family trying to eat spaghetti.
b. Why does he write about this subject?
i. The title reminded him of a humorous family outing.
c. Why doesnt he want to turn in the essay in?
i. It was a private memory and he thought he would violate the
rules of formal composition.

5. What door does Mr. Fleagle open for Baker?

a. Mr. Fleagle showed him and the entire class that his words and writing
style had impact and could make people laugh.
b. Why is Baker reluctant to pursue the opportunity?
i. Mr. Bake doesnt think that writing could lead to a job after high
school.