MIDTERM ASSIGNMENT (100 POINTS) DUE:______________________________
MASTERING RHETORICAL & LITERARY DEVICE
Background: This semester, we have studied the works of many famous American orators,
essayists, autobiographers, playwrights, musicians, filmmakers, comedians, storytellers,
fiction writers, and non-fiction writers who were praised for their ability to affect, persuade
or galvanize audiences. Many of these authors urged Americans to act against injustice,
while others sought to challenge or change pre-existing views that threatened our American
ideals of freedom. Whatever their purpose, they used rhetorical strategies and literary
device to convey their messages in powerful ways.
Overview: To demonstrate your understanding and mastery of Rhetorical or Literary
Device and the art of persuasive strategies, you will choose a work from any one of the
genres studied this semester that you find especially persuasive or compelling. In short,
you will find something that: 1. Has a point/specific purpose 2: has managed to inspire,
change, or challenge you. Choose something that is worthy of rhetorical or literary analysis,
including ample use of rhetorical device (if nonfiction) or ample use of literary device (if
fiction).
You will be graded on the following criteria and requirements:
1. Choose one that has not already been chosen by a classmate (see signup sheet)
2. Print 2 or more pages from your selection. On that page, highlight and identify 5-10
uses of rhetorical or literary devices that appear within that section of text. Writing
on the text is perfectly ok. Must be present on due date for full credit.
3. Provide the title, author, and any applicable descriptions or YouTube links.
4. Write a 1-2 page paper that explains the author/speaker’s point and his/her use or
rhetorical strategies to deliver that point. Must be present on due date for full credit.
5. Present your selection to the class (time permitting) and explain why you chose it
and how the author managed to affect you. (Plan also to “talk” your essay.)
NOTE: 50 points goes toward your selection choice. 50 points goes toward your essay and
presentation.
The following list includes only some of the works studied this semester. You may choose a
selection of your own that represents something of that genre. You may choose something
historical, contemporary, funny, serious, whatever. If the topic uses “inappropriate
language,” make sure to address why that language is appropriate for that context and
purpose.
Movie or Play Scene that conveys a message-The Crucible, My Cousin Vinny
Speech/Sermon that aims to persuade audiences-“Speech to the VA Convention” by Patrick
Henry, “I Have a Dream” by MLK, Grad Speech by Steve Jobs
Personal Essay that tells a story, persuades audiences-“Superman & Me” by Sherman
Alexie, “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan
Autobio Excerpt or Personal Narrative that tells a story, persuades an audience-Coming
of Age in Mississippi
Persuasive Essay that persuades an audience-Stride Toward Freedom by MLK
Stand-up Comedy Act/Speech that aims to persuade-Chris Rock
Song or Music video that aims to persuade-“Yes We Can” by Will.I.Am.
OTHER:
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Devices to identify:
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ASSIGNMENT MENU
Choose any genre option from the list below. Then, employing the techniques or devices
studied this semester, model one of the pieces from any of the orators or authors from our
studies to persuade your audience into adopting your POV. If you do not feel inspired by any
of the examples studied in class, you may bring one of your own or use the one you selected
and presented in class during the 12th week, as long as it employs the devices studied. You
will be asked to share your work with the class, either by delivering your speech, reading
excerpts, playing a video or a recording, or by simply presenting your project. You will
later be asked to write a 1-2 page paper that describes exactly HOW your project
employs the strategies from the piece you model. Use the planning sheet on the other
side for an outline. Explain and elaborate on each line item. The paper is worth 25%
of the FINAL EXAM PROJECT SCORE.
(See specifics under each option. See also rhetoric packet online for sample pieces.)
Speech-1 page typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font, memorized or extremely well rehearsed,
delivered to the class in the spirit of Patrick Henry, MLK, Obama, etc. about your own issue
to a modern-day audience. Include at least 1 allusion to a famous piece studied this
semester. Include 5 uses of any rhetorical devices studied.
Sermon-1 page typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font, memorized or extremely well rehearsed,
delivered to the class in the spirit of Jonathan Edwards about your own issue to a modernday audience. Include at least 1 allusion to a famous piece studied this semester. Include 5
uses of any rhetorical devices studied.
letter-3 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, in the spirit of Abigail Adams about
your own issue to a modern-day audience. Include at least 1 allusion to a famous piece
studied this semester. Include 5 uses of any rhetorical devices studied.
persuasive essay or personal essay-2- 3 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, in the
spirit of Judy Brady or Gary Keillor about your own issue to a modern-day audience.
Include 5 uses of any rhetorical or literary devices studied.
narrative, biographical, or auto-biographical account-3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced,
12 point font, in the spirit of Ben Franklin, Fred Douglas, Sandra Cisneros, Gary Keillor, Jon
Krakauer, or Zora Neale Hurston about your harrowing experience, intended for a modernday audience.
song-3-4 minutes max of a re-written song or parody, typed up and either pre-recorded or
performed live, in the spirit of Black Eyed Peas/Obama speech song about your own issue,
intended for a modern-day audience. Include at least 1 allusion to a famous piece studied
this semester. Include 5 uses of any rhetorical devices studied.
fictional piece or short story-3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, in the spirit
of Ray Brad Bury, Mark Twain, Sandra Cisneros, John Steinbeck, etc. using literary devices to
convey an underlying message.
art piece-a sculpture or half-sized poster including original photographs, illustrations,
political cartoons, etc. that conveys an underlying message persuading your audience to
make a change about something relating to American issues. (See me for approal if you
choose this option)
play excerpt or skit-2-4 pages(1 page per performer), typed, double-spaced, 12 point font,
performed or played from a recording, in the spirit of Arthur Miller using literary devices to
convey an underlying message.
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documentary or video ad-3-4 minutes max, pre-recorded and played, in the spirit of Annie
Leonard about your own issue for a modern-day audience.
stand-up comedy piece-1 page typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font, memorized or extremely
well-rehearsed, delivered to the class in the spirit of Chris Rock about your own issue to a
modern-day audience.
FINAL EXAM Assignment Planning Sheet
NAME:__________________________________________________________________________________Per:___________
__
Directions-Complete the following blanks as you plan for your assignment. Submit this with
your final exam paper or project.
1.Genre CHOICE:___________________________________________
2. Title and author of the piece you plan to model:
3. List 5 Rhetorical or Literary Devices you plan to model + 1 allusion/quote from
something read in this unit:
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
4. Your argument or underlying message:
5. The SOAPStone you intend for your piece. Describe Speaker, Occasion, Audience,
Purpose, Subject, and tone intended for your piece:
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6. Your plan description:
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