What is TT/CC?

 

What is TT/CC?

Improving your writing involves strategy! Learn to use TT/CC.

TT/CC stands for Title / Topic / Clincher / Connection

TT/CC is an initialized mnemonic which some teachers might call an acronym. We use TT/CC to help us remember a very important stylistic requirement in our writing.

Let's break it down:
Title = the title of your essay.

Topic = the FIRST sentence of your essay

Clincher = the LAST sentence of your essay.

Connection = 

The title must connect with either the topic or clincher sentence (at least one)

The topic and clincher sentences must have a connection with each other.

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⇧ STOP HERE IF YOU ARE A NOVICE  ⇧

 ⇩ KEEP READING IF YOU ARE A JV OR VARSITY STUDENT ⇩

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This way they connect can be described as REPEAT,  REFLECT,  or  REFRACT

REPEAT = simply repeating the sentence (or a very close to an exact repetition).

REPEAT example: 
TOPIC SENTENCE (first sentence of an essay)
 Cheerios saved his life! 
CLINCHER SENTENCE (last sentence of the essay)  
He would always be grateful that Cheerios saved his life. 

 OR

 

TOPIC SENTENCE (first sentence of an essay) 

Her mother told her that bright colors brought her luck. 

CLINCHER SENTENCE (last sentence of the essay)

Her mother was right; bright colors brought her luck. 

 

 

REFLECT = one sentence is the opposite of the other.

REFLECT example: 

TOPIC SENTENCE (first sentence of an essay)

The sun warmed her face in the early morning gently waking her from her sleep.

CLINCHER SENTENCE (last sentence of the essay)

The moon lulled her to sleep that night with a cool soft shaft of light that spilled across her bedroom ceiling.

sun is the opposite of moon
early morning is the opposite of night
waking her is the opposite of lulled her to sleep    

warmed her face is the opposite of across her bedroom ceiling

 

REFRACT = One sentence must share a word or two OR use synonyms to connect. 
It is easy to remember this kind of connection if you remember that the word "refract" can also mean to bend, whirl, or disperse. These sentence connect in creative ways, using pieces of each other or synonyms or references to each other.

REFRACT example: 

TOPIC SENTENCE (first sentence of an essay)

Atop his trusty steed, the knight never lost control of his temper in a jousting match.

CLINCHER SENTENCE (last sentence of the essay)

The gallant warrior rode into the night in perfect control of his emotions.

Atop his trusty steed = rode into the night  --> both sentences describe a knight riding his horse 

knight = gallant warrior --> these both describe the main character in the same way with slightly different wording. Perhaps the wording at the end describes him after a great battle or quest. He is now "gallant," but he is still a knight. 

never lost control of his temper = in perfect control of his emotions  --> These are different words used to describe and reiterate his demeanor

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TT/CC stands for Title / Topic / Clincher / Connection

TT/CC is a powerful rhetorical technique. It is used in writing as well as in speeches. It is also important to understand in literature analysis and poetry.

Once you have mastered this strategy, your writing will forever be improved.

Why Stylistic Requirements

The stylistic techniques illustrate the writer's grasp of grammar, syntax, and semantics. These techniques provide students with a structured approach to enhancing their attention to detail, including the ability to follow instructions.

Both simple and complex rhetorical devices are effectively internalized through this process. Each essay in this class is designed with a strong pedagogical framework, making these requirements essential.

Additionally, the indication requirements function as mnemonic aids. This versatile skill enriches students' capabilities across a variety of academic subjects.

WM STYLISTIC TECHNIQUES (ALL)

BUILDING BLOCKs

OPENERs

ENHANCEMENTs

M3s

P2s

OWLs

BUILDING BLOCKs BUILDING BLOCKs go inside the sentence. They are never the first word.

w/w = who or which clause

ly = ly adverb

bc = because

www asia = when  while  where  as  since  if  although

prep = prepositional clause/phrase

PA = precise adjective

VV = vivid verb

BUILDING BLOCKS never start a sentence.

The only stylistic requirements that are indicated INSIDE the sentence are BUILDING BLOCKS.

BUILDING BLOCK examples

w/w The boy who helped me yesterday is over there at the water fountain.
w/w The pen, which is orange, is my favorite.

ly My doctor gladly accepted the cookies from the his co-worker.

bc The teacher is happy because everyone worked hard in class.

ly She quickly ran to the store to buy eggs.

www.asia

Take your coat when you leave.

I will watch your luggage while you rest.

He is working where the fence broke yesterday.

My brother sings as he does his homework.

She has been happier since the bully left the school.

Do not drag your feet if you want to be on time.

My mother is a great cook although we do not always appreciate it.

prep The baby squirrel nestled cozily in the pine needles.

PA The challenge was invigorating!

VV Do not procrastinate!

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OPENERs  (1s, 4s, 5s, & 7s always take a comma!)

OPENERs start the sentence. The (6) OPENER is the whole sentence.

(S) ​Subject Opener

(1) Because

(2) Prepositional (prep)

(3) ly adverb (ly)

(4) ing

(5) www asia   (when  where while  as  since if  although)

(6) very short sentence (5 words or less)

(7) ed

(8) Abstract Noun

(9) Infinitive

(10) Adjective

(11e) EPanalePsis

(11d) Diacope

OPENERs examples

(S) ​The door is locked.

(1) Because the forecast called for rain, I took my umbrella.

(2) Under the leafy branches of an old oak tree, we found the perfect place for our picnic.

(3) Silently, the cat stalks its prey.

(4) Hugging his mom, the boy told her he was happy she was home.

(5) When the clock struck twelve, the carriage turned back into a pumpkin.

(5) While the teacher taught the lesson, the students remained attentive.

(5) Where there is smoke, there is fire.

(5) As the campfire was lit, the children ran to find the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.

(5) Since the last rehearsal, the understudy has been perfecting his lines just in case he has to take the stage.

(5) If anyone knocks on the door, be sure to call a parent to answer it.

(5) Although the day was chilly, they enjoyed their picnic.

(6) Never swim alone.

(7) Overwhelmed by the applause, the little singer cried tears of joy.

(8) Truth is an attribute that is important in government leaders.

(9) To wait seemed foolish when quick action was required. 

Just for fun: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=585252039999241

(10) Graceful dancers seemed to float across the stage.

(11e) The beach called to her from across the mountains, and all she wanted was the beach.

(11d) Smile through heartache; smile with your whole heart.

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ENHANCEMENTs 

(MET) metaphor (SIM) simile (ALLIT) alliteration (ASON) assonance (repetition of vowels sounds w/o rhyming) (Q) Question (QUOTE) Quotation (T/C-VSS) vss topic & clincher (4-SHADOW) Foreshadowing (an advance hint of what is to come) (4-LANG) Foreign lang. phrase

(LIT) Literary Reference (HIS) Historical Reference (ARTs) Art, Music, Dance Reference (RPC) Retro & Pop Culture Reference (IDIOM) Idiom Expressions that often do not make sense literally (ANALOGY) Analogy                                   w/ a specific set up - FOR EXAMPLE (teacher: student :: coach: player) (PUN) Pun (HYP) Hyperbole (A+) Appositive This is often an invisible w/w. (a noun or phrase that renames or describes the noun) (RHY) Rhyme

ENHANCEMENT examples

(MET) She was nothing but a wave  of trouble when she rolled into that classroom. (SIM) Toby ran like the wind and  won the race! OR (SIM) Seraphina was as quiet as  a mouse when she snuck into the  kitchen for a midnight snack. (ALLIT) "Excellence in Educational Enrichment" is E3's motto. OR (ALLIT) My friend Charlie always chooses to be charitable when people are rude. (ASON) What a shame that the rain changed our plans. (ASON) Isn't it incredible? (Q) Does a zebra have stripes? (Q) Does anybody really know what time it is? (QUOTE) Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right. (Henry Ford) (T/C VSS) The day began with joy.  The day ended with gratitude. (4 SHADOW) As they stepped into the carriage, the gray clouds overhead were ominous. (4 LANG) It was a carpe diem kind of day! (4 LANG) The bon voyage party  was lovely! (LIT) I wish I could just click my heels and be back at home. (LIT) The child had the energy of Tigger and his father the disposition of Eeyore.

(HIS) The celebration at the bayhouse was turning into the Boston Tea Party. The kids knew there would be serious repercussions. (HIS) He finally relented and thought gloomily that he and Custer had a lot in common. (ARTs) The evening sky was so vivid and hypnotic that she could not help but feel a connection with Van Gogh. (ARTs) She had a Mona Lisa smile. (ARTs) She was the best in her ballet class and that is why they lovingly nicknamed her, "Margot Fonteyn." (ARTs) He was as deaf as Beethoven and just as persistent in his musical endeavors. (IDIOM) It is time to call it a day. (ANALOGY) Just as a student learns from a teacher to become stronger in academics, so did Kate learn from Coach Marley and advance in her sport.  (ANALOGY) Just as plant needed water so did Clara thirst for the applause of the audience! (PUN) That bicycle cannot stand on its own because it is two-tired. (HYP) At that moment, home seemed a million miles away. (A+) Charlotte, the class rep, fought for more recess time, but the administration would not agree to it. (RHY) I told her to be bold but her fear made her fold.

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MAGIC 3s   There are so many choices!

(M3-2)   (2) prep OPENERs (M3-3)   (3) ly adverb OPENERs (M3-4)   (4) OPENERs (M3-6)   very short sentences (M3-7)   (7) OPENERs (M3-8)   (8) OPENERs (M3-adj)   adjectives (M3-n)      nouns (M3-ab n)   abstract nouns (M3-int)     interjections

(M3-preps)  prepositions (M3-ly)    ly adverbs (M3-v)     verbs (M3-O)     onomatopoeias (M3-rhyme)  rhyming words (One sentence w/ 3 rhyming words in it) (M3-er) comparative adjectives (M3-est) superlative adjectives

MAGIC 3s   examples

(M3-2) In, on, and under the tree lay the Christmas baubles, tinsel, and lovingly strung popcorn garlands.

(M3-3) Quickly, quietly, and steadily we made our way past the pirate's den.

(M3-4) Running, shouting, and hoping for the best, the children chased the greased pig at the rodeo. 

(M3-4) Standing, balancing, and grinning, my ten month old brother gleefully reached for my outstretched hands.

(M3-4) Slipping, sliding, and laughing, the children whooshed down the water slide.

(M3-6)  Rain pounded on the windows. Thunder violently boomed and crashed. Lightning streaked the sky.

(M3-7)  Tired, defeated, and confused the lawyer tried to clear his head after his loss to opposing counsel.

(M3-8)  Love, peace, and friendship is what I hope for in this endeavor.   

(M3-adj) The sparkling, clear, cascading river calmed him, and all his troubles seemed to melt away.

(M3-adj) The sky was a beautiful, bright, blue dome dotted with fluffy white clouds.

(This could also be indicated as an ALLIT)

(M3-n) The boys visited shelters, orphanages, and retirement homes in their mission to bring Christmas joy to those who might be lonely.

(M3-n)  She won the accolades of her peers, the admiration of her siblings, and the approval of her parents when her book hit the bestseller list. (noun phrases)

(M3-adj) The debaters began final round feeling determined excited, and highly motivated. (Note how these are all "ed" adjectives - the M3 flow is maintained)

(M3-int) "Woowho! Yeehaw! Yhaw!" cried the excited cowboys as the yearlings galloped across the pasture. 

(M3-O) And just like that . . . pow, zap, bang, she disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

(M3-preps) We searched in every drawer, under every cushion, and behind every knick-knack and still could not find Mom's earrings.

(M3-ly)  My dance teacher told me to move gracefully, confidently, and joyfully.

(M3-v)  Our dance teacher told us that we must continue stretching, strengthening, and running the new choreography over the weekend to be ready for the concert. 

(Note how these are all "ing" verbs - the M3 flow is maintained)

(M3-rhyme) As I climbed the the tree, a bee relentlessly tormented me.

(M3-adj) The track coach was determined, disciplined, and single-minded in his training regimen.  (Note how these are all "ed" adjectives - the M3 flow is maintained)

(M3-adj) A prima ballerina needs to be stronger, smarter, and tougher than every other dancer in the company. (Note: these are all comparative adjectives)

(M3-adj) He is the brightest, bravest, most benevolent priest in the mission. 

(Note: these are all superlative adjectives)

(M3-v)  He walked across the bridge, peered out over the edge, and smiled with happiness.

(M3-O) This morning the snap, crackle, and pop of my Rice Krispies made me smile. 

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POWERFUL 2s   examples

There are many choices! AKA: Dynamic Duos

(P2)s  follow the same pattern as (M3)s except there should be two words that are the same part of speech.

A double (P2) can create a wonderfully symmetrical sentence. A double (P2)

is proportionately weighted like a balanced seesaw. I have bolded the (P2) words in the examples below -- Do NOT bold the words in your submissions.

I have bolded and colored the words for instructional purposes.

(P2-adj) Fogg's calm demeanor and resolute determination to win the bet remained unwavering. Jonathan

(P2-adv) The skater glided gracefully and effortlessly across the ice as we watched in awe.

(P2-prep) Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go! 

(P2-v) The old house seemed to droop and creak with sadness. Miya

seesaw example: (P2-8) (P2-n) Anger and sadness overtook him during the war because of the countless deaths of friends and countrymen. Thomas

seesaw example:  (P2-v) (P2-n) She shivered and braced herself against the gales of wind and torrents of rain.

seesaw example:  (P2-adj) (P2-v) The diamond was shiny and perfect on her finger, catching the light and transforming it into rainbows that danced coquettishly around the room.

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Advanced Rhetorical Devices

OWLs  (OUTSTANDING WORDS - LEXICON) 

Anadiplosis Anaphora Anthimeria Antiphrasis Aphorism Chiasmus & Antimetabole Epanalepsis & Dicope (now a BB 11e & 11d)

Epistrophe (AKA: Epiphora) Symploce Epizeuxis Irony Metanoia Parataxis Personification & Anthropomorphism

• Anaphora: Repeats a word or phrase at the start of every line or passage. (I Have a Dream - MLK)

• Anthimeria: Uses one part of speech in place of another. BEWARE! It can easily become silly and is often overused.

• Aphorism: A brief saying or phrase that expresses an opinion or makes a statement of wisdom without the flowery language of a proverb.

• Antiphrasis: uses a word with an opposite meaning for ironic or humorous effect. "We named our chihuahua Goliath."

• Chiasmus: reverses of the order of words in the second of two parallel phrases or sentences. A chiasmus reverses grammatical structure, not necessarily w/ the exact same words.

* Antimetabole: reverses the EXACT SAME words in the sentence

• Epanalepsis: repeats a similar grouping of words at the beginning of a sentence and at the end. The repeated words act as "bookends.

• Diacope: the repetition of a word or phrase broken up by another word or words.  It is "a verbal sandwich."   Ever heard, “Bond, James Bond”?

• Epistrophe (AKA: Epiphora): repeats ending words (Gettysburg Address)

• Symploce: an Anaphora + an Epistrophe (AKA and Epiphora) = a Symploce

• Epizeuxis: repeats one word for emphasis

• Irony: contradictory statements or situations revealing a reality that is different from what appears to be true.

• Metanoia: corrects or qualifies a statement to strengthen it or soften it in some way. It can mimic spontaneity.

• Parataxis: When independent phrases are placed side-by-side. Think of the famous Julius Caesar line, “I came, I saw, I conquered.”   (Veni, vidi, vici.) A parataxis evokes feelings in a similar way as though they happened at once. It is a helpful device when describing a setting. 

• Personification: is figurative.

It projects characteristics that normally belong only to humans onto inanimate objects, animals, deities, or forces of nature. Personification is figurative.

• Anthropomorphism is literal.

With anthropomorphism the non-human entities actually do human things. (Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit)

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