Famous Speeches

Lesson 3
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ELA

Unit 4

12th Grade

Lesson 3 of 16

Objective


Analyze how an author uses devices to generate an appeal and ultimately achieve his or her purpose. 

Readings and Materials


  • Speech: “The Whiskey Speech” by Judge Noah Sweat 

  • Speech: “Purple is the Noblest Shroud” by Empress Theodora 

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Analyze the rhetorical choices Empress Theodora makes to develop her argument. Write at least two body paragraphs and support your arguments with evidence from the text.

Key Questions


Rhetorical Analysis (for both speeches):

  • Device: What is the device? Explain how the evidence is an example of the device. 
  • Appeal: What is the effect?
  • Purpose: How will this persuade the audience?

Notes


Instructional Notes

  • By the end of class today, students should be able to show their ability to craft a rhetorical analysis that includes both the device the author uses (e.g., diction), the appeal (e.g., ethos) and the purpose (e.g., to persuade the audience that compromise is necessary).
  • It is recommended that the teacher lead students through collecting evidence and building a solid body paragraph using Sweat’s speech as an example. Students should then do the same independently with Empress Theodora’s speech.

Next

Analyze the rhetorical choices Obama makes to develop his argument. 

Lesson 4
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Lesson Map

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