【What】The passage comes from Reading of Book 2 Unit 4, adapted from William J. Long’s English Literature: Its history and Its Significance for the Life of the English-Speaking World. Centered around the topic “The wonder of literature”, the discourse introduces the definition and functions of literary works as well as features of outstanding literary works: description of truth and beauty; appeal to feelings and imagination; permanence. The passage is aimed at calling for drawing nourishment from the treasures of human civilization through reading literary works.
【Why】By giving an introduction to characteristics of outstanding literary works and interpreting the significance of reading literary classics, this discourse helps strengthen students’ reading interest and motivation. Students are guided in developing endless love for life as well as promoting tireless pursuit of beauty.
【How】The argumentative writing makes clear its point and position through presenting the facts and reasoning things out. Logical sentence patterns are used to highlight the vivid theme and a clear structure: Paragraph 1 tells a story, introducing the theme “literature” by means of analogy; Paragraph 2 gets straight to the point by stating the significance of reading literary classics and reminding students to know features of outstanding literary works for literature appreciation; Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 respectively present three qualities of literary works. Effective writing techniques like examples, comparison&contrast and illustration, make abstract and complicated concepts accessible and persuasive; Paragraph 6 serves as a conclusion, summarizing the essence of literary works. Cohesive devices help students quickly identify key information and grasp the structure.
