CRQs for Ehrenreich's "What I've Learned from Men"

CRQs: “What I’ve Learned from Men” by Barbara Ehrenreich                            mcrawford

Essay appears on pages 83-87 of Patterns of Exposition


1) Who wrote this?  Where did it first appear?  How would you describe the genre of this document?  For whom was it written?  Review a few of the things revealed about the writer.  Which of these things most contributes to her ethos.

2) In what section of the textbook does this essay appear?  Why do you think it was used here?

3) (paragraph 1) How does Ehrenreich open this essay?  For what reason might she do this?  Explain.

4) Ehrenreich’s thesis is introduced—though not fully developed—in paragraph 2.  After reading paragraph 2 what do you expect this essay to argue?

5) (paragraph 3) The writer introduces this as “an example from [her] own experience.”  What do we call such examples when doing rhetorical analysis?  Why does she use this?  Is it effective?

6) Explain the relationship between paragraph 4 and paragraph 3.  Is the writer’s definition of “ladylikeness” is more clear because it is preceded by the episode described in the previous paragraph?  Explain.

7) The first two words of paragraph 5 make clear it’s purpose.   Explain.

8) Paragraph 6 examines more deeply this ‘contrast.’  How does the writer use differing responses to recognition in the workplace to make her point?

9) Paragraphs 7-11 might be described as a call to action.  What actions does the writer ask women to take?  List and explain.

10) In paragraph 12 and 13 she brings the reader’s attention back to the story she describes in paragraph 3.  Why?  How does she use this to make her conclusion more effective?  Explain the connection between paragraphs 12 and 13 and her earlier definition of “ladylikeness.”