AP Language and Composition
Finn/Loun
Now that you’ve read some satirical works:
Over the next week you’ll be trying your hand at satire. I know, you’re excited…I am
too.
Now, think of a problem that needs fixing – social, political, educational – or
something people actually believe that drives you absolutely crazy. Maybe you want to
think about solutions people have already proposed that also seem a bit crazy.
Then, think of an absurd solution to this problem. Either take a trivial issue and
blow it completely out of proportion, or take a global issue and reduce its solution to the
ridiculous or trivial. Present it in your very own satirical piece. Poke fun at the problem
or the people. Try out an ironic voice. Be sarcastic. Use other rhetorical devices,
such as understatement, hyperbole, or phony “logos” and “ethos.”
Look over the examples you’ve been given so far (or will be given), like the “bathroom
pass” or Borkat. Watch “The Daily Show” with John Stewart. Visit www.theonion.com.
Very funny.
Some things to do…
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Be creative
Build a complete argument.
Draw on personal experience. If you have experienced it, it will be easier to write
about. (yes, this means that you can use first person if you want to – think of how
Swift presents his solution).
Needs to be at least one page in length. Typed, MLA format please.
This assignment is due on Tuesday, 3/1.
Satire Freewrite Rubric
Scoring
_____/5 Absurd solution is presented, which reduces global issue to
ridiculous or trivial issue to completely blown out of proportion
_____/5 wit, sarcasm and/or humor are incorporated into assignment
_____/5 rhetorical devices used as discussed in class (e.g., hyperbole,
understatement, phony “logos” and/or “ethos,” etc.)
_____/5 Correct grammar and spelling
_____/20 points
TOTAL