CHOOSE A METHOD OF ORGANIZATION. In the previous selection, Stegner  organizes the paragraph by stating his controlling  idea in the first sentence. The first whole paragraph also contains general statements about his impressions of the dump.  His final paragraph is again a summary statement in which he points out the importance of the dump in relation to the town's history. By his method of organization, Stegner shows how a personal idea can have meaning for a wide audience.  But this is only one method of organization. You might also use a chronological sequence, stating things in the order in which they occurred.  You might use a cause-to-effect method in which you describe some thing or experience (cause) and the outcome for you personally (effect). Finally, you might want to try a comparison/contrast method to develop your idea.

ENRICH THE WRITING WITH DETAILS.  In the selection, Stegner makes his basic impressions understandable and memorable by his method of organization and by the selection of details, in this case the volumes of Shakespeare and the dead colt. An element of surprise is created by volumes appearing in the unlikely setting of a dump. In selecting and describing these two details, Stegner closely reveals how powerfully the dump affected his emotions.

ASSIGNMENT. Choose one of the controlling ideas you discussed for the last lesson. State your controlling idea and write a brief outline which shows your method of organization.  Then write at least two paragraphs which develop the idea you have chosen. Remember to include details appropriately.