1.

Baker makes good use of transitional expressions, repetition of words and

ideas, and pronoun references in paragraphs 1 and 2. Carefully reread the
paragraphs, and identify where he employs these techniques.
One of Bakers transitional expressions was when he said, but it wasnt until my
third year in high school that possibly took hold. One of his techniques using
repetition of words and ideas was when he said, He had a primly pointed jaw, a
primly straight nose, and a prim manner of speaking that was so correct, so
gentlemanly, that he seemed a comic antique. Finally, last but not least, an
example of Baker using pronoun reference was when he said, He wore primly
severe eyeglasses, and his wave hair was primly cut and primly combed.
2.
Examine the transitions
Baker uses between paragraphs from paragraph 4 to the end of the essay. Explain
how these transitions work to make the paragraphs flow from one to another.
Baker makes good use of his paragraph transitions to
make them flow because of how they parallel and makes the reader want to move
on to the next paragraph to finish.
3.
How does Baker describe his English teacher, Mr. Fleagle, in the second
paragraph? Why does he repeat the word prim throughout the paragraph? Why is
the vivid description important to the essay as a whole?
Baker describes his English teacher, Mr. Fleagle, as a person who is well known for
bad qualities such as dullness and the inability to inspire. He repeats prim
throughout the paragraph to emphasize and to get his point across that he was
feeling great disapproval; and that he regarded Mr. Fleagle as an improper man. The
vivid description is important to this essay as a whole because it helps the reader
form a precise mental picture about what is being written about and helps us see
his point as valid.
4. What does Baker write about in
his informal essay for Mr. Fleagle? Why does he write about this subject? Why
doesnt he want to turn the essay in?
Baker writes about an exotic treat, Spaghetti, in his informal essay. He writes about
this subject because he wanted to write about the warmth and good feeling of this
rare treat for his own personal enjoyment. Baker doesnt want to turn the essay in
because his essay violated all the rules he learned in school about a formal essay
and his teacher would surely give him a failing grade.
5.
What door does Mr. Fleagle open for Baker? Why is Baker reluctant to pursue
the opportunity?
Mr. Fleagle opened the door for Baker to be
a much better writer because of honesty and hard work. Baker is reluctant to pursue
the opportunity because he knows his work wasnt honest.