1. Unit 2: The Power of the Pen

2. Essential Questions
How do people use language to shape and change society?
What is rhetoric?
What is the rhetorical triangle, and how can I use it to create change?
What is the difference between argumentation and persuasion?

3. Unit Objectives Rhetorical Analysis Concessions Counterarguments
Close Reading
Rhetorical Analysis
Concessions
Counterarguments
Persuasion
Logical Fallacies (maybe)
Ethos, Logos, Pathos
Author’s Purpose

4. Journal # 7 “The Power of the Pen”
Some people will argue that the most powerful weapon known to mankind is the written word. In your journal, refute, accept, or qualify this statement. Use examples. Fill up at least ½ page.

5. TASK 1: Why Language Is So Important
Work in your new teams to answer the six questions about a Russian speech and a Chinese poem.

6. The Power of the Pen
It is clear that those who know how to use language and manipulate words have a certain power in our society and in our world. Many of these people use language against you every day. They try to – for better or worse – change you, shape you, and (sometimes) take advantage of you. From commercials, to politicians, to authors – everyone wants you to be something or to do something. It is up to you to learn how to not only defend yourself (close reading), but also to fight back (persuasive speech). To begin, let’s look at how some people use language to change society. As you watch, consider this:
What makes someone good with words?

7. Video 1

8. Video 2

9. Video 3

10. The Power of the Pen
So what makes some people masters of language while others never seem to get what they want? Let’s look at the most basic, yet most powerful, weapon used by those who control language: the rhetorical triangle.

11. The Rhetorical Triangle
Topic (Logos)
Tone
Structure (Format)
Speaker (Ethos)
Audience (Pathos)
Purpose

12. Teacher gives all students 100%
Let’s Argue!
100% on Quiz
Tone
Structure/Format
Student
Teacher
Teacher gives all students 100%

13. Examining the Roles
Speaker – What do I bring to the table? Why should someone believe me? Audience – What values or beliefs do they have? How should I shape my argument to affect them? Topic – What are some logical arguments for or against the topic? How can I make the argument better?

14. Rhetorical Techniques
Ethos (personal/ethical appeal) – Focuses on the speaker
How can I make people trust me?
How can I make people like me?
How can I make myself seem intelligent?
Pathos (audience/emotional appeal); focuses on the audience
How can I use emotions to persuade the audience?
How can I use the audience’s values or beliefs to persuade them?
Logos (logical/argument appeal); focuses on the topic
What evidence can be used to support the argument? Facts, statistics, textual evidence, quotes from famous person?
What are some reasons to support the main argument?

15. Take Notes!

16. TASK 1
Complete the “Ethos, Logos, Pathos Worksheet.” Take your times. Ask questions. Your goal MUST be comprehension.

17. TASK 2: Rhetorical Analysis
Create a rhetorical triangle for Severn’s speech
Find examples of Ethos, Logos, Pathos in her speech
Write your first rhetorical analysis about her speech

18. Rhetorical Analysis Examples and Tips You Try! S
Identify rhetorical strategy (ethos, logos, and/or pathos)
Connect strategy to author’s purpose
The author uses _________ in order to ____________. P
Identify observable evidence (i.e. textual of visual) that represents the rhetorical strategy. E
Explain the Proof – How is it a particular rhetorical strategy?
Connect to Purpose – How does the rhetorical device help author achieve purpose?
Connect all strategies to author’s purpose.
Extend purpose to real world.

19. Everyday Rhetoric
Students will work in groups to see how the rhetorical appeals might affect their lives every day.