CP English 12
3.3.14 – 3.11.14
Rough Draft Due Friday, March 7; Final Copy, Tuesday, March 11 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 effect him (587).
Writing Assignment: The problem that you selected for your POD/Language Arts project has been one that you have developed a persuasive
point of view. Write a fictitious letter to the proper authorities about an outrageous solution to this 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 enumerate three satirical solutions.
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 list 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.
Monday, March 3
POD/Language Arts Research Paper Draft due
Rehearsal
Tuesday, March 4
The rhetorical triangle: Go over the use of logos, ethos, and pathos in persuasion
Techniques of satire: understatement, imitation, verbal irony,
Ireland during the Reformation
“A Modest Proposal” (Swift) PowerPoint
,
Wednesday March 5
“A Modest Proposal”
Close reading
Go over business letter format
Assignment
Begin rough draft
Thursday, March 6
In-class reading: “Journal of the Plague Years,”
Comprehension questions and vocabulary skill review
Assignment
Rough Draft Due
Friday, March 7
Peer Review
“From the Diary of Samuel Pepys”
Assignment
Final Copy due Tuesday, March 11