English II Pre-AP 1 st Quarter Extra Credit We have spent the majority of the 1 st quarter studying rhetorical analysis. For your extra credit you should complete the following: Select a song with a political or social message Print and annotate your song for rhetorical devices and appeals. (Remember, annotating means you have tell me what you are thinking; don t just underline) Write a rhetorical analysis paragraph that includes the following: 1. Thesis 2. At least two pieces of textual evidence 3. Analysis that discusses the effect of the rhetorical devices in your quotes and how those devices reflect the rhetorical purpose of the song as a whole. Please type your paragraph following MLA format guidelines. Submit your completed work on the day of your Antigone test (October 10/11) Completing this will add 5 points to your lowest test grade. You must submit your annotations with your paragraph.
A quick note on thesis statements The thesis statement should contain the main point(s) that will be discussed (in detail) in your paragraph or essay.
Sample Prompt: After analyzing Creon's Scene 1 speech, write a well-developed paragraph analyzing Creon's use of rhetorical appeals and strategies. Consider their effect on the meaning of the text and how they ultimately work towards Creon's rhetorical purpose.
Sample Prompt: Determine what information must be addressed in your paragraph/essay: After analyzing Creon's Scene 1 speech, write a well-developed paragraph analyzing Creon's use of rhetorical appeals and strategies. Consider their effect on the meaning of the text and how they ultimately work towards Creon's rhetorical purpose. Essentially: What appeals/strategies does he use? What the effect of those appeals/strategies? What exactly does he mean? What is ultimate purpose of the speech? To what end does he use these strategies?
In a rhetorical analysis, it s crucial that the thesis statement identifies o the purpose of the rhetoric (speech) o what techniques are being used to convince the audience. o The audience Consider using some form of an in order to statement to ensure that you identify the speaker s purpose. AVOID saying he uses ethos/pathos/logos DO SAY, he makes ethical/emotional/logical appeals, OR he appeals to the [audience's] sense of logic, emotion (be sure to name emotion, e.g. fear, guilt, grief, etc.)
In a rhetorical analysis, it s crucial that the thesis statement identifies o the purpose of the rhetoric (speech) o what devices are being used to convince the audience. o The audience Consider using an in order to statement to ensure that you identify the speaker s purpose. In his speech to the citizens of Thebes, Creon utilizes both ethical and logical appeals in order to assert his newfound authority and to justify his decree denying Polyneices a burial. **Note: You don t have to have two purposes; this will vary depending on the text with which you are working.
Structure of paragraph THESIS STATEMENT w/ technique(s), audience, purpose TEXTUAL EVIDENCE (DIRECT QUOTE FROM TEXT) make sure this is an EXAMPLE of the device/technique you mention in your thesis. Be sure to blend the quote! ANALYSIS ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STATEMENT (I.E. THE QUOTE) MADE BY THE SPEAKER what the statement implies, illustrates, suggests, etc. ANALYSIS (ADDITIONALLY) ON HOW THIS FURTHERS HIS ARGUMENT WHAT IS HIS ULTIMATE PURPOSE WHEN HE MAKES THIS STATEMENT? WHAT STRATEGY/DEVICE IS BEING USED? WHAT EFFECT DOES IT HAVE? CONCLUDING SENTENCE
Notes on Analysis Should not define the device you re addressing Should not repeat itself Should not summarize the plot Avoid beginning anlaysis sentences with: o o o o By the reader By the author This quote This supports my topic sentence by Should be specific to the text i.e. do not make general statements that can be applied to any work of fiction o E.g. The author s use of foreshadowing helps build suspense. Should ANALYZE the implications and effects of the concrete detail Should use specific adjectives in terms of the devices used. ALL imagery is vivid. ALL diction is specific. Those statements are vague and tell me nothing about the text.
Sample Chunk In his speech to the citizens of Thebes, Creon utilizes both ethical and logical appeals in order to assert his newfound authority and to justify his decree denying Polyneices a burial. In the wake of the death of Oedipus s sons, Creon must affirm his devotion to the people of Thebes. Creon reiterates to the chorus that he has nothing but contempt for the kind of Governor who is afraid to follow the course he knows is best for the state (13-15). Creon suggests that the state and the public welfare are his primary concerns, and he vows that personal relationships will not take precedence over the affairs of Thebes. In identifying the people as his priority, he ultimately establishes his credibility as their new ruler and implies that as their devoted king he commands and deserves their respect.
Sample Chunk In his speech to the citizens of Thebes, Creon utilizes both ethical and logical appeals in order to assert his newfound authority and to justify his decree denying Polyneices a burial. In the wake of the death of Oedipus s sons, Creon must affirm his devotion to the people of Thebes. Creon reiterates to the chorus that he has nothing but contempt for the kind of Governor who is afraid to follow the course he knows is best for the state (13-15). Creon suggests that the state and the public welfare are his primary concerns, and he vows that personal relationships will not take precedence over the affairs of Thebes. In identifying the people as his priority, he ultimately establishes his credibility as their new ruler and implies that as their devoted king he commands and deserves their respect. TS Lead-in/context to textual evidence Textual evidence Analysis #1 Analysis #2
On your own Now, complete the annotations and SOAPSTone for BOTH the speeches in scene 3 (one for Creon and one for Haemon). You will be scored on the quality and accuracy of your annotations as well as your responses to the SOAPSTone questions on the back. Whatever you do not finish needs to be completed for homework.