Firefighters - Discussion
Have the Firefighters passage either on your computer screen or (preferably) printed out so that we can go over
some things.
You probably noticed the underlined words and phrases. These are examples of how vocabulary (words in context)
questions might appear on a reading exam. For example, look at the word 'edifice' in the middle of the fourth paragraph.
This term may be new to the reader. However, with your context-clue knowledge, you can figure out that it means
something like: structure, dwelling, house, building, high-rise, etc. See if you can use that approach in defining any other
words in the essay which are 'strangers'.
If asked for the topic/subject of this piece, what would you say? In this case the title and the topic or subject are the
same. 'Firefighters' answers the question: 'What's it about?' Notice it is a word or a phrase.
Now consider the thesis (main idea) of the passage. Is there a thesis sentence? Yes, it's the last sentence of the
introductory paragraph: 'Fire-fighters come to your rescue in times of peril with three major qualities: strength, intelligence,
and courage.' This thesis statement answers the question: 'What's said about the topic/subject?' In this particular writing, it
answers the question: 'What's said about firefighters?' Notice it is a complete sentence.
The first sentence in each of the four remaining paragraphs is the stated main idea sentence of each respective
paragraph. For example, if you had a test question asking you for the stated main idea sentence of paragraph three, you
would say: 'Second, fire-fighters must demonstrate the appropriate degree of intelligence required to fight fires in a 'smart'
fashion.'
As we discussed earlier, the introductory paragraph gives an overview of the rest of the passage. It (usually)
contains the thesis sentence. Each body paragraph takes one of the three thesis points and amplifies it. In this passage,
for instance, the first point deals with physical strength. The respective paragraph explains in detail the kinds of strength
required to qualify as a firefighter. Notice there are numerous specifics (80 pound bag, 15 seconds, four standard flights of
stairs, etc.) discussed so as to leave no doubt in the reader's mind concerning a firefighter's athletic condition. Also, note
that the last body paragraph discusses the strongest of the three firefighter qualities: 'bravery'. The summary paragraph,
(with slight re-wording) repeats the thesis of the piece.
Let's turn back the clock and talk about what occurred before this five-paragraph essay ended up as you see it now.
As you know, one doesn't write something like this without going through several stages. Assume you were given this topic
and instructed to compose a one page, five-paragraph essay. You should first organize your thoughts. What are you going
to say about this topic? Here are some other directions you could go regarding this topic/subject:
- insufficient compensation package for firefighters
- difficulty in recruiting firefighters
- injury rate of firefighters
- firefighters working in EMS (Emergency Medical Service)
- firefighter unions
How do you come up with a good selection? A lot of writers will free-write or brainstorm for a few minutes. With
this approach, you write down whatever comes to mind on the topic or subject. Don't worry about grammar rules or
neatness; just put down what comes to mind about the issue. Others like to just think on it for a while; then make an outline
or write two or three complete sentences that seem on point. Some will make a mind-map or some clusters to get their
thoughts in order. There is no one way of organizing your ideas. Try them all and see what works best for you. After some
practice, it will become automatic for you.
Assume you chose to focus on the same thesis that I did: 'There are three qualities that make firefighters true
professionals.' You could now list the ideas that came to mind. Suppose you end up with about a dozen characteristics on
your pre-writing page. The next step is to select the three that are the most accurate points for your essay.
If you happened to pick the three that I did; now for each one, you need to think about the details, definitions,
examples, or instances which will amplify each quality. Think about intelligence level (my subject in body paragraph two).
What specifics will best explain to the reader the vast knowledge base a professional firefighter must possess. You could
talk about the classroom instruction, testing, demonstration reviews, evaluations, and certifications that are necessary. You
might mention the types of 'smarts' needed in order to decide which fire fighting technique is appropriate for the different
types of emergency situations, such as: electrical plant explosion, high-rise gas leak, shipyard oil fire, bridge collapse, train
derailment, inner-city chemical spill, etc.
After you have completed this organizing process for each of your three points, you then select the appropriate
number needed to fill your body paragraphs. At this point most of your 'heavy lifting' is done. You now write your five
paragraphs using the basic framework you already have in your pre-writing notes.
You will have to do some minor editing once your first draft is completed. If possible, set your piece aside for a
while and return with 'fresh eyes' for a final edit. Try your best to place yourself in your reader's place, and judge whether
your passage is reader to publish.
Now that we have 'walked through' some practice exercises, compose a one-page, five paragraph essay on a topic
of your choice. Practice the stages that we discussed, using the approach that best fits your writing style. Keep in mind that
you should not go directly to writing your essay. Spend a little time getting your ideas organized on paper. It's time well
spent.