This is one of the possible [[assignments for essays]] you can choose. (T2: Reading) ### Study an Editorial (T2) Choose a well-written, compelling editorial or opinion [[essay]], perhaps from the "[mentor texts for writing essays](https://workshop.oddletters.xyz/mentor%20texts%20for%20writing%20essays.html)" page of the class website, or perhaps something a classmate has shared in the discussion boards in class. Read the editorial and [[Marking the Text|annotate carefully]]. You may wish to use an app like Notability, or perhaps print out the essay in order to annotate directly. #### OPTION 1 - Use your [[Marking the Text|annotations]] to help you answer the following questions about the editorial you chose to read. You may also find this [argument organizer](https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J9j1f-CUnwKqXbIhdCW-vM267MGYeC8P&authuser=mschulte%40waukesha.k12.wi.us&usp=drive_fs) helpful---it's framed as an aid to the writer, but you could fill it out as a reader by making inferences about the writer's choices. For all the questions, be as specific as you can. Include examples from the text to illustrate the points you're making. - Which essay did you choose to read for this assignment? - What are the most convincing kinds of evidence the author uses in the editorial? (See [this note for more information](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QN3lN30JfQNO-3Kaz3mmcEKdJcfQgK1tmZDG-qLPLC4/edit?usp=sharing) about what we mean by "evidence;" ie, not merely facts that "prove" something, but also details, anecdotes, and examples that a writer uses to develop their topic.) - How does the author present their argument? We're used to seeing the standard "five-paragraph essay" format in school, but you rarely see that in actual writing in real life. How would you describe the **structure** of the editorial you chose to read, or some of the **rhetorical techniques** they use? - What is the overall claim the author is making? Can you give a specific quotation from the text that sums it up well? - How does the author invite you to take their side of a debate or controversy? What sort of appeals do they make to the reader? - What kind of anecdotes or small stories does the author include or refer to in order to illustrate their topic more clearly? - What specific sub-claims or sub-topics does the author include, in development of their overall claim or topic? Give an example of the supporting content used for at least one of them. - How does the author acknowledge and respond to other side(s) of the issue (also known as addressing the counterargument)? In other words, are there any examples where they pose a "you might think so-and-so, but in fact the truth is [something else]" (not necessarily literally in those words, of course)? - How does the writer involve the reader; for example, is there some kind of call to action? What seems to be the writer's goal in the editorial? #### OPTION 2 - If you prefer a more structured approach, make a copy of this [graphic organizer for writing about an editorial](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J_TyedmBVMv38-swxpGTjVISqlBkGtTvj7xIwejZ5tU/edit?usp=sharing) and complete it. <br> ---- R.11-12.6 Analyze how authors employ [[point of view]], perspective, and purpose to shape explicit and implicit messages (e.g., persuasiveness, aesthetic quality, satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement). Explain how an author’s geographic location, identity, and culture affect perspective.