DISSECTING A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Step One

Identify the thesis.

DEFINITION The thesis is the attitude or position on a problem taken by a writer or speaker with the purpose of proving or supporting it.

Step Two

Agree or Disagree?

Based on your own knowledge and experience, you must decide whether you agree or disagree with the thesis. Explain why.

Step Three

Discuss the tone.

DEFINTION Tone: A term sometimes used in criticism to denote the mood of a piece of writing.

What is the tone? Is the tone effective? How is the tone created? Ex: Frustrated, enthused, Ex: How does it help the author persuade the reader? Provide a quotation from the text of the essay.

Step Four & Five

State 3“pro” arguments and 1 “con” argument.

In your own words, state three arguments the author uses to support their thesis. Also in your own words state one concession, “con” argument, made by the author.

Step Six

Identify the internal strategies.

DEFINITION Internal Strategies: the specific techniques by which writers develop, express, and/or organize their ideas

Internal Strategies a) narration f) cause and effect b) comparison and contrast c) classification e) process analysis d) definition

Step Seven

Identify the rhetorical devices.

DEFINITION Rhetorical Devices: techniques used by the writer to help persuade the reader to agree with the opinion presented.

Rhetorical Devices a) allusion f) repetition b) figurative language (simile, metaphor) c) hyperbole e) humour d) irony * Note: Will discuss these (& more) in detail tomorrow

Recap

1)Identify the thesis 2)State why you agree or disagree 3) Discuss the tone 4)State at least 3 “pro” arguments 5)State at least 1 “con” argument 6)Identify the internal strategies 7)Identify the rhetorical devices Recapping the Seven Steps to Dissecting a Persuasive Essay