Final answer:
The best example of discourse among the options provided is story structure, which comprises a full narrative. Essays, paragraphs, and sentences are important units for building a discourse but are not, in themselves, complete forms of discourse.
option 'a' is the correct
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Which of the following is an example of discourse?' refers to forms of written or spoken communication. Discourse encompasses extended pieces of communication that go beyond simple sentences and paragraphs to include a more complex structure of conveying ideas.
In this sense, option d. story structure is most accurately described as an example of discourse. It consists of an organized narrative or account that comprises several elements such as the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. While essays, paragraphs, and sentences (options a, b, and c) contribute to the discourse, they often represent the building blocks rather than the extended form of discourse like a story.
A discourse analysis would involve examining the structure of the narrative, how the author sequences the events, why certain information is placed in specific order, and what principle or plan gives the text its coherence. When analyzing any form of discourse, whether it's an essay or story, you want to look for how each part supports the central thesis or theme and how evidence is used to bolster the narrative. Within an academic essay, each topic sentence in a body paragraph should echo back to the thesis, providing a clear and structured argument or narrative.
When engaging in literary analysis, identifying the thesis statement, understanding the function of topic sentences, the use of evidence, and recognizing literary devices or structures is crucial. Moreover, considering how an author constructs their narrative through sentence structure and the organization of text creates insight into the effectiveness and purpose of the discourse.