Tuesday, September 20: Critical Reading and Rhetorical Devices

Hi class,

Here's the link to this morning's presentation: Lesson 4.

Also, here's a link to the list of rhetorical devices that we discussed in class: Common Rhetorical Choices.

As you move forward, concentrate on reading critically, questioning the author/content/overall message of the text that you are analyzing. Your goal is to look deeper at a text. Come at the text with a certain amount of skepticism, and don't take it at face value.

We also discussed ethos/pathos/logos more in depth. Should you have missed class, catch up by looking through this morning's presentation. Remember, ethos/pathos/logos are not rhetorical choices; instead, they are pathways rhetorical choices take.


Homework

• Reading:
• St. Martin's:
• Chapter 3a-3c, "Exploring a Topic," "Narrowing a Topic," "Drafting a Working Thesis"
• Chapter 10h, "Moving from Hypothesis to Working Thesis"
• Chapter 15a, "Refining Your Plans" (pgs. 40-49, 198, 250-252)
• First-Year Writing: Ch 2 (pgs. 30-36)
• BA3

Basic Assignment #3:

Purpose: To demonstrate your ability to identify specific rhetorical choices made by a writer

Description: For this brief assignment, using the text you will analyze for your Draft 1.1 (either Dillon's, Cangialosi's, or Pipher's articles), please do the following:

·        Identify the audience and purpose of the piece. Be as specific as possible and support your identification with a brief explanation (100-200 words).

·        Identify and list at least five rhetorical choices the writer employs to reach this audience and achieve his or her purpose. Give at least one example of each, and be sure to cite where you find each example (Author's-last-name page-number).

Remember, your assignments are due Saturday before 11:59pm. That should be it for now!