This unit will require that you spend time not only reading persuasive passages, speeches, and print ads but also critically analyzing and interpreting the elements that make the text persuasive.

CLOSE READING

Read and re-read for meaning
Annotate as you read
Ask good questions as you read
Look for solid evidence to support your inferences

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS

Identify the elements of the rhetorical triangle: rhetor, audience, and message
Determine how the rhetor, audience, and message interact to create a persuasive text
Analyze how the author uses literary devices to create rhetorical appeals
Identify logical fallacies that may hinder the persuasiveness of a persuasive text

So, what is annotation? Annotation is the tool for the reader. Especially for rhetorical analysis, the reader marks such things as important ideas/major points that the speaker is making, shifts in tone, evidence of literary and rhetorical strategies, and possible logical fallacies. An annotated page may look like the one below:

What types of question might you ask?

Who is giving the speech?
To whom is the speech being delivered?
Based on the audience, what kind of tone is the speaker taking?
What is the occasion?
What is the purpose of the speech? Why is the speech being given?
What are some rhetorical appeals being used?
What purpose do these appeals serve?
How does using certain literary devices create these rhetorical appeals?

PERSUASIVE RUBRIC

Use the rubric as you write your essay for this unit.

GLOSSARY

There is a glossary attached to each unit focused on the genre of study. Make a copy and place it in your interactive notebook. If you click on the word GLOSSARY, you will find the first glossary for this persuasive unit.