Patterns for a Purpose (FAMU Edition)

Patterns for a Purpose’s clear instructions and selection of essays demonstrate rhetorical techniques (patterns) that can be used alone or in combination to achieve writing goals (purposes). Patterns for a Purpose , a rhetorically organized reader, emphasizes how to think through a writing task by using the patterns of development; the text also acknowledges that many of the real-world writing tasks we undertake are ill served by the rhetorical patterns in their purest form. Patterns for a Purpose 's clear instructions and selection of essays demonstrate the rhetorical techniques (patterns) that can be used alone or in combination to achieve writing goals (purposes). Endeavouring to increase students' cultural literacy, this reader represents Canada's rich tapestry of essayists from various cultures and regions while encouraging readers to think about issues that press our world, such as the environment, gender identity, and technology. From Mark Kingwell's wrestling with ideas of the good life to Thomas King's thoughts about how our narratives shape our lives; from Carol Shields' musings on the delights and challenges of travelling to June Callwood's thoughts about forgiveness; from Brian Payton's startling evocation of a grizzly bear preserve and the nature of "bear-ness" to Wayne Grady's discussions on walking―these Canadian essays portray a particularly Canadian penchant for reflecting on and interrogating our culture.