Second Year Winner: The Mission Before the Escape

WRIT 2710, Grammar & Proofreading. TA: Frances Maranger. CD: Dunja Baus

Abstract

This 200-word grammatically correct sentence is a powerful example of structure and content working together to convey emotion and message. The author constructs a poignant and complex narrative in few words, exhibiting an impressive understanding of rhetorical devices—including grammatical constructions such as parallel structures, absolute phrases and expanded determiners—to heighten the emotional impact of their story of struggle, determination and hope. The reader can feel the pain and resulting strength of the narrator as they reflect on how they overcame past hardships, as well as how they continue to do so every day. This long sentence is a concise and intelligently structured recount of an emotional experience that reads as an eloquent cathartic purge. The author leaves no doubt as to their ability to conjure the power of words and the power of grammar to weave a compelling story.