Argument Practice

Being a Man

Today we are reading an essay from 1985 by Paul Theroux titled "Being a Man." 

We will discuss specific lines that stand out to you in order to analyze closely how they "work" in the essay to further his main argument.  Then you will fill out the Graff template in order to set up his argument and your response to it. 

After watching the clip above, do you think Paul Theroux's ideas are aligned to the filmakers, based on what you have seen so far?

SAT RTI NOTES & HANDOUTS

COLLEGE BOARD WRITING TIPS

• PRACTICE WRITING PROMPTS--Remember to take 5 minutes at the start and plan your essay.  PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!!
• Remember BEFORE YOU START: 
• circle keywords in the prompt
• paraphrase the prompt so you are sure you understand it
• choose a clear point of view (I agree/I disagree/ I agree & disagree)
• Answer "Why?"  and maybe even "How will be this implemented?"
• Write your thesis, combining your point of view with your reasoning.
• Consider the opposing side: what reasons might you concede or just flat-out refute?  (Although remember that concessions strengthen your logos and ethos.
• What CONCRETE EXAMPLES will you use to support  your reasoning?

Tips on beginning the essay: NPR story on the "new" SAT

Also, here is an example of how important it is to use both abstract and concrete language together in your essay: Abstract and Concrete Language together

How make concessions without making your argument seem wimpy: Graff Frames Page One and Graff frames page two.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  A piece that offers a critical perspective of the SAT essay: Is the SAT Creating A Generation of Bad Writers?

Induction vs Deduction: Follow Up

Tuesday and Wednesday we spent trying to understand and recognize how induction and deduction work together in an argument.  We saw how it worked in "The Declaration of Independence" by Thomas Jefferson and "The Declaration of Sentiments" by Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Here is a link to a website that offers you some more explanation of the two and how they work in rhetoric: Induction and Deduction.

In the end, what I would like to you remember about these two forms of reasoning:

 Being aware of HOW a writer builds an argument using reasoning is one powerful tool you now have to analyze another's rhetoric (the "THEY SAY") and determine its strength or effectiveness.  And ultimately, they are essential strategies that I hope to see you utilize in your own writing (the "I SAY").  



Also, keep in mind the three ways to respond to what "They Say":

1. Disagree with Reasons
2. Agree, but with a Difference
3. Agree and Disagree simultaneously (concede and refute)

Here is a link to the sentence frames from Professor Graff's book They Say I Say: Responding to THEY SAY(page one) and Responding to THEY SAY (page two)

Graff template for "Too Much Pressure" and Weekend homework

Here is LINK to the template that you should fill out in class Thursday.  I will be at Napa High in the morning, but I hope you will still make good use of time and finish this.

In addition, I would like you to READ the essay "Destroyed" by Peter F. Martin by MONDAY. HERE is a link to a photocopy of the essay out of the Bedford Reader.

Your homework for Monday is to fill out the Argument Analysis Handout for that essay.  I do not have a shared copy of that available yet.  I will give it to you in class FRIDAY.

Also, make sure you get the words for Lesson 6 Vocabulary, if are absent Thursday.  I have also added the link to the quizlet cards on my quizlet page on the blog.