Questions for Study and Discussion
1. Irony is the use of words to suggest something different from their meaning. At what point in the essay did you realize that Merrill is being ironic? (Glossary: Irony) Did his title, introduction, or actual advice tip you off? Explain.
2. Is the authors process analysis the directional type or the informational type? What leads you to this conclusion?
3. Why has Merrill ordered his three process steps in this particular way? Could he have used a different order? (Glossary: Organization) Explain.
4. How helpful are the authors examples in helping you understand his principles? Do you agree with all his examples? (Glossary: Example) Explain.
5. Why do you suppose Merrill used irony to show his readers that they needed to improve their writing? (Glossary: Irony) What do you see as the potential advantages and disadvantages to such a strategy?
6. In what types of writing situations is irony especially useful?