1. PSAT Essay Prep

2. Read article aloud
Identify TAPS - (topic, audience, purpose, stance)
T -
A -
P -
S -

3. What you’re graded on: R - reading (understood the article)
A - analysis
W - writing (organization, grammar, mechanics)
4/4/4 - BEST

4. Persuasive Techniques
Techniques to emphasize the message:
Rhetorical Devices:
Repetition
Similes
Exaggeration

5. Persuasive Techniques
Techniques to get “all the feels”
Emotive Techniques
Appeal to fear
Appeal to greed
Appeal to fairness
Emotive language
Inclusive language

6. Persuasive Techniques
Techniques to make reader feel logical
Logic devices
statistics
examples
expert opinions

7. Persuasive Techniques
Techniques to make the audience trust
Personal anecdotes
Inclusive language

8. How to organize your essay
Introduction
demonstrate your understanding of article
this must include:
title, author, type, source
TAPS (topic, audience, purpose, author’s stance)
thesis - what persuasive elements are used and how (keep it brief - you’ll explain more in body paragraphs)

9. Phrases and Words for Intro
Is entitled…
Contends that…
Argues that…
Written in response to…
Responds to the issue of…
Maintains a ….tone throughout
Is directed at a …. audience

10. Body Paragraphs (2-3)
You’re better off with 2 strong than 3 weak. If you have time, try for a 3rd body paragraph but remember to leave enough time to review and edit!
This should look similar to 2-chunk paragraph

11. Body Paragraph Analysis
In order to provide quality analysis:
1. Identify and describe technique
2. Provide examples
3. Analyze examples

12. Body Paragraphs (2-3)
TS - identify persuasive element used and quick statement of why or how it strengthens author’s stance
CD #1 - an example from text
only use small chunk of text OR paraphrase the example
include lead-in
no citation needed
CM # sentences analysis of HOW or WHY the device strengthens argument
CD and CM #2
CS - rephrase your TS using a concluding transitional phrase

13. Introduction - demonstrate your understanding of article - TAPS
In the New York Times article “Why Literature Matters”, Dana Gioia informs readers of the declining rates of literacy in young adults. The intended audience is the general population. The author claims that decline in literacy will have critical negative consequences on society including a decrease in civic knowledge and participation as well as higher-order thinking. He also attempts to persuade readers that the responsibility of encouraging literacy should extend to politicians and the business community. Gioia’s argument is strengthened through the use of evidence in the form of surveys and polls as well as the use of emotional appeals.
As the students wrote their practice paragraph, I wrote this one and then modeled my thinking/writing process by typing this for them.

14. Body Paragraph 1
Gioia employs the use of emotional appeals as a way to strengthen his argument. The use of connotative words and appeals to readers’ feelings of civic duty are the primary ways that Gioia uses emotional appeals. In Paragraph 2, Gioia describes the “worrisome” fact that the 2002 survey shows that literacy is declining in young adults. The use of the word “worrisome” connotes anxiety and will evoke worry in the reader. This strategy helps Gioia convince the readers that they should feel the same way about the issue as he does which, in turn, strengthens his argument as he gains support from the reader. In the last paragraph, Gioia concludes by claiming that the skills fostered by reading are ones that a “free, innovative, or productive society” cannot afford to lose. Gioia’s choice of words in this example are an important way for him to gain support by the readers. By using “free”, “innovative”, and “productive”, Gioia identifies traits that society should strive to demonstrate. Therefore, if society does not make changes to reverse the trend of decreasing literacy, Gioia implies that society will become the antithesis of “free”, “innovative”, and “productive”. If society becomes the antithesis of those traits - enslaved, rote, and unproductive - they will have failed their civic duty and contributed to the fall of democracy. The use of connotative words and appeals to readers’ sense of civic duty help strengthen Gioia’s argument by invoking feelings of worry and duty in the reader to persuade them to make a change.
As the students wrote their practice paragraph, I wrote this one and then modeled my thinking/writing process by typing this for them.

15. Conclusion
The most effective conclusion focuses on the conclusion of the opinion piece you have been asked to analyze.