mastery ): effective5 ptsthe writer states H u m a n i t i e s

For the past 3 weeks, we’ve practiced reading texts closely to identify and articulate a Speaker’s central idea (or argument or thesis or claim or message). We extended our analytical reading a bit to more clearly reference aspects of the rhetorical situation including Speaker, Purpose, Audience; we did this in our rhetorical precis. This week we considered the rationale of organizing a rhetorical analysis around a writer’s sub-claims (as opposed to their rhetorical appeals). Now we’ll move more fully into our unfolding of writers’ tactics or strategies in support of both their Thesis (or central idea) and their sub-claims.
Analyze the rhetorical strategies Captain America and Mark Twain use to develop their argument about the role of the people in a republic. (Hint: You’d be wise to answer the Critical Reading Questions I’ve added to the second page of the speech and map the sub-claims the two speakers make along the way.)
Open with a rhetorical precis; then use (at least 2) body paragraphs to focus on discussing a sub-claim and the (top-down AND bottom-up) strategies the speaker uses to convey that sub-claim.

Thesis (Mastery):Effective

5 pts

The writer states a clear thesis in the form of a well-written sentence or group of sentences. The thesis fully answers the prompt by introducing the author, genre, and title of the text, as well as a clear and somewhat complex statement of the central idea or Message of the text, stating the purpose of the piece, AND previewing some tactics or strategies by the Author; these may be stated as sub-claims.

Evidence (mastery): Effective

15 pts

The writer states a somewhat complex or complex claim about a sub-claim or purpose or tactic claims about a top-down strategy (e.g., contrast) and supports the claim with multiple (2-3) relevant quotes, blended with the writer’s words. Commentary for the evidence is thorough and effective or convincing as it elaborates on the claim by discussing the deeper implications of the writer’s choices.