CP English 12
12.7.15 – 12.18.15
Due Wednesday, December 9: Type a one page journal on an issue that needs to be solved. The issue may be one of local,
national, or global significance; however, it does not have to be – but can be – a major issue (i.e. global warming) or it can
simply be a problem that inconveniences others (i.e. parking in a handicapped space when not authorized). The paper should
cover the following information: Clearly state the issue and explain why it is a problem. Next come up with three ways this
problem may be solved. Your solution(s) should be logical and clear. (300-400 words, typed, double spaced)
Due December 14: Persuasive letter based on your issue (guidelines will be passed out in class).
Due December 16: Final copy due
Monday, December 7
Pronouns used with nouns
Understanding satire
Tuesday, December 8
Pronouns who and whom in questions and clauses
“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift
Wednesday, December 9
Pronouns in comparisons
“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift
Thursday, December 10
In-class reading and written response
Friday, December 11
Pronouns and antecedents
A Modest Proposal
Begin work on letter
Monday, December 14
Pronoun Test
Peer review of letter
Tuesday, December 15
(Periods 1,2,3 will be attending the forum)
Wednesday, December 16
Final Copy due: Proposal presentations
Thursday, December 17
Kitsch Christmas
Friday, December 18
Excerpt from A Prayer for Owen Meany
Persuasive Letter and Presentation: Emulation of Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”
In Jonathan Swift’s ”A Modest Proposal,” he takes on the persona as an economic planner to initiate social change. In his essay, Swift did the
following:
1. He clearly outlined the problem (Ireland is crowded with beggars, thieves as a result of England’s greedy landowners)
2. He transitioned to his satirical solution : “I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I `hope will not be liable to the
least objection” (583).
3. He clearly outlined his “proposal” and supported with 6 satirical reasons why it would work.
4. He presented logical and reasonable solutions as being unworkable (586-587).
5. He pronounced his frustration at past attempts to solve the problem (587).
6. He maintained objectivity by saying it would not affect him (587).
Writing Assignment: Write a fictitious letter to the proper authorities about an outrageous solution to a problem. The letter must include
the elements of the rhetorical triangle. Integrate logos (facts, statistic,) ethos (establish your expert opinion) and pathos (appeal to
the emotions of your audience).
Adapt a persona of an authority figure (which you can make up) who is an expert on your issue. For example, if you are addressing the
pollution of the city of Akron’s water supply, you may be the “Commissioner of Water Safety.”
Format of the letter Review the proper block format (Writers Choice, page 246) . You must have an inside address, heading, salutation
followed by a colon; single space with a space between paragraphs, closing and signature.
Content of the Letter
Opening paragraph: A clear and detailed summary of the problem and how it came to your attention.
Body (Paragraph 1 ): Begin this paragraph with the same words at Swift: “I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts,
which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.” Then offer a satirical solution.
Body (Paragraph 2): Using Swift’s words as a transition to a real solution (I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised
against this proposal. Therefore, let no man talk to me of other expedients: ) You will then write about what are REAL solutions to the
problem.
Concluding paragraph: Assure your audience that your solution is only for the common good and reiterate the results that you hope to see.
Finally, as Swift did, show how you have nothing to do with the problem.