“The Only Difference Between a ’54 Beetle and a ’64 Beetle is the Ad”

by Carolyn Simmermon

Content:

• What does this author use as a lead-in to grab her audience’s attention?  Is it effective?

• Why did the author contain a description of Beetle ads in the second paragraph?  How does the author’s description of images negotiate an objective point of view?

• After the description of the Beetle ad, paragraph 3 discusses American society in the 1960’s.  What is the author attempting to do in bringing these topics together?

• What strategies does the author use to make her final paragraph an effective conclusion?

Sources and Technical Aspects:

• How do the author’s topic sentences set up the structure and content for each paragraph?

• How do the citations work together to create and informed and cohesive essay?

• Look at paragraph 6: How many difference sources does this particular paragraph contain?  How does the author use proper MLA citation and transitory thought to negotiate switching among sources?