Please keep the classroom environment quiet so all can work and concentrate. Also, you may keep out your iPad to refer to the assertion journal writing prompt, but you may ONLY be on this posting site. Please respect this rule, and use your iPad appropriately during the class period. Turn in assertion journal writings by the end of the class period, or via email to me.
Enjoy your weekend, and Easties enjoy your homecoming!
Choose ONE of the prompt options below.
Prompt A-- Typical Assertion journaling:
"Facts are stubborn things, and whatever may be our inclinations, orthe dictums of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and
evidence." --John Adams, in his defense of British soldiers after
shooting five colonists in an angry mob in Boston, 1770
For prompt A, first consider and explain who our speaker is, why he is credible, and what the context is in which he is writing. Then, explain what you feel his audience may have felt upon reading this assertion.
Next, provide a clear explanation of the writer's assertion (claim), then defend, challenge, or qualify that claim from your own perspective. In your response, be sure to note the complexity of the issue, and acknowledge any possible objections (counters) to your position. Your writing should be about 300-500 words, include appropriate paragraph structure, and follow the CON-PRO-PRO method.
Prompt B--Rhetorical Triangle at work:
Who was the author of your book? Why was his or her story credible?
What is the context in which your book was written? What important aspects of the context influence the writing?
What is the author's main purpose in telling this person's story? What is he/she trying to get across to the audience?
How does the author intend to influence his/her audience, and did you think that he/she was successful at influencing you?
For prompt B, in writing, respond using information from your summer reading book. Your writing should be about 300-500 words and should include specific reference to what occurred in the book.
Grading Rubric for Prompt A (15pts.):
___/4 Application of rhetorical triangle questions
___/2 Writer's assertion is accurately interpreted and explained fully
___/5 Each main point is clearly explained, with evidence and support provided to strengthen position (worth 11 for prompt B)
___/4 Writing strengths, including style, structure, and control of language
Grading Rubric for Prompt B (15 pts.)
___/8 Application of rhetorical triangle questions
___/3 Points are supported by evidence from the reading
___/4 Writing strengths, including style, structure, and control of language
