Famous Speeches

Lesson 11
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ELA

Unit 4

12th Grade

Lesson 11 of 16

Objective


Draft an effective introduction that establishes the rhetorical situation and provides a comprehensive thesis describing the rhetorical techniques the author uses to achieve his purpose.

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Draft an introduction paragraph for a rhetorical analysis essay on Churchill or Roosevelt.

Key Questions


  • What does a skillful introductory paragraph include?
  • What are the qualities of a clarified and comprehensive thesis statement?

Rhetorical Situation:

  • Who is the speaker?
  • What’s the occasion? When/where?
  • Who is the audience? Stated vs. implied. Values?
  • What is the subject?
  • What is the purpose?

Rhetorical Analysis:

  • Device: What is the device? Explain how the evidence is an example of the device. 
  • Appeal: What is the effect?
  • Purpose: How will this persuade the audience?

Notes


Background Information

  • An essay needs a skillful introduction that prepares the reader for the topic. The reader cannot understand how/why an author uses certain rhetorical strategies until he or she understands the rhetorical situation. The introduction must clearly describe the situation.
  • A clarified and comprehensive thesis goes beyond merely naming devices such as “diction” or “pathos.” For example:
    • Diction is not clarified. There are so many kinds of diction! Preview the kind of language the author uses more specifically by using direct quotes or powerful descriptive words.
    • Pathos is not clarified. There are many kinds of emotions that authors can appeal to. Preview the kinds of emotional appeal that the author aims for. 

Instructional Notes

The teacher may wish to use specific examples and non-examples from student writing or published AP essays.

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Lesson 10

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Lesson 12

Lesson Map

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