1. Whom is the audience Crevecouer addresses? Is the audience significant? Why?
2. Why has Crevecoeur written these letters? He claims his friend has asked for them, but does Crevecoeur have other purposes for writing? Attempting to answer this question will lead you to the thesis, or main point, of the essay.
3. Does Crevecoeur's thesis seem to be a personal opinion, description of fact, or an argument?
4. What reasons does Crevecoeur provide to support his thesis? Try this test for reasons: Crevecouer believes his thesis because ______________________________. What you fill in the blank is a reason. A reason is a claim that helps a writer support the thesis -- the reason explains "why" the thesis is true.
5. Try to answer the "Questions for Discussion and Writing" in CN, pg. 51. You'll find them most helpful.