Everything is an argument- English

English 1302 8w2

Directions Module #1

1. Read chapters 1-4 in your textbook Everything’s an Argument. Pages 3-78. I know this is a lot of reading in one week. But these chapters are very important as the study of rhetoric-using language skillfully for a particular purpose, will be the core for most of this course. I would read carefully, purposefully and I would annotate for understanding and highlight important terms and phrases.

2. Read thru the chart “Aristotelian Appeals”. This handout lays out the strategies of ethos, pathos and logos. You should refer to this chart while looking for the strategies used by other writers. You will also want to refer to this chart when it comes time for you to write your own argument.

3. View power point “Rhetoric”. By now you should have a good working knowledge of the persuasion strategies of ethos, pathos and logos.

4. Read the New York Times Op-Ed “Our Collective Responsibility for Mass Shooting” by Mary Ann Franks. Make sure to annotate the article as you read looking for the strategies used by the writer of ethos, pathos and logos. (note: ethos is usually not as clear as the other two in articles such as these. Ethos is the credibility of the writer/speaker. Politicians love to give us their resume in speeches, but journalists are not as obvious. Their credibility comes from the research they have done and the fact they are journalists. So if you do not find many examples of ethos, do not worry).

4. Instructions for a Summary/Analysis essay:

Elements of the Summary/Analysis Essay

Introductory paragraph

· Sets up the problem or topic as context for the introduction of your chosen text

· Introduces your text with the author’s name, title, context (where the article appeared).

· Concludes with a thesis statement that sets up clear expectations for the direction of your essay and gives your reader a sense of the points you will develop and discuss.

· Your thesis will express your judgment about the text in terms of rhetorical strategies, successes or problems, or possibly questions it has raised in your mind.

Summary of the article (160-200 words)

· Provide the main thesis or claim of the author, along with the main ideas that support that thesis

· Provide the author’s conclusions

· The summary does not include your opinion.

Analysis paragraphs supporting your thesis (400-560 words)

· Relate to your thesis and organize your response for your reader.

· How you address the content of the article depends on your choice of analysis

· Support your analysis with reasons and concrete evidence from the text (examples/paraphrases/direct quotations- examples of ethos, pathos or logos)

Conclusion:

· Leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your analysis and stance toward the text. Consider also pointing your reader toward ideas beyond your own response to the text or a restatement of your thesis.

Minimum Word Count: 800 Words

Minimum 4 quotes

MLA format:

Size 12 font

Double Spaced

MLA heading

MLA parenthetical citations (parenthesis after each quote-the first time you will put author’s last name and page number from article-EVERY time after this that you quote the article you will put ONLY the page number-such as (2).

You can also find a more detailed description of MLA format here at the Purdue OWL.

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html