Whitman's sampler

Carefully read and examine this ad from Americans for the Arts. Then compose a thoughtful, thorough, well-organized analysis of the rhetorical strategies used to make its argument, considering both visual and verbal techniques. You must post your analysis by the end of the period. Keep in mind the rhetorical situation and the strategies for composition we've discussed.

A River in Twain

Read the excerpt from Mark Twain's Two Ways of Seeing a River (1883). Then, compose a well-written essay that analyzes the techniques Twain uses to make his argument. You might use the "Questions for Discussion and Writing" found at the end of the excerpt as a guide for composing your analysis. There is no word limit, but you must respond in a full composition, and you may take no longer than 50 minutes to read and write. Post your essay to your blog by the end of the class period.

Earth mess

Your assignment is to do a rhetorical analysis of Al Gore's award-winning documentary film An Inconvenient Truth. That is, analyze the purpose of the film, the audience to whom it is geared, and the strategies that are used to reach that audience. Keep in mind the rhetorical triangle, and the evidence sheet we completed in class. Your 3-5 page essay is due by class time on 25 March.

Here's a sample outline to get you started:

Thesis: In An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore wants to reach a large audience, particularly nonscientists, to stress the urgency of responding to global warming.

1. He establishes the ethos of a public servant whose concern stems from ethical and moral rather than political motivation.
2. He provides an enormous amount of technical information by taking advantage of a multimedia format.
3. He appeals to pathos by juxtaposing what was or is with what might be--and, in fact, is likely to occur.
4. Gore acknowledges several counterarguments, but he refutes them with humor or alternative explanation.
5. He uses his personal experiences as a father and brother to stress the deep commitment he has to this issue

Conclusion: An Inconvenient Truth effectively sounds the alarm for global warming by offering an accessible explanation that blends scientific information and human interest.