English 8 Semester 2 Review for Unit 2 Test

English 8 Semester 2 Review for Unit 2 Test

​Due Date for Test 3/25

​Purpose

The author's reason for writing the piece.

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It could be to entertain, to inform, to persuade.​

​Perspective

​The author's overall outlook.... how he or she sees the world.

​Message

The big idea the writer wants to leave you with.​

​Bias-

prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.​

​Bias

The bias of news sources is one of the main reasons bubbles exist. In a bubble, authors use language that confirms the perspective of readers; instead of challenging or informing readers, they make readers feel like they were right all along.​

The way authors present facts can also show bias. Authors may include some facts and leave out others, or interpret the facts in a way that fits their perspective and the perspective of their audience.​

Agenda

When a text has a bias, it may not be deliberate. Sometimes authors may simply not be aware how their perspective influences the purpose and message of a text.

Other times, an author might have an agenda: a deliberate purpose besides the obvious one. For example, an author may write a book that looks like it's meant to inform but actually has a persuasive agenda. These kinds of texts often present information in a biased way.​

​What is Rhetoric?

2.2.1 pg. 1

Rhetoric is language meant to persuade an audience.

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We see it used in conversations, advertisements, politics and on social media.... just to name a few places.​

​Rhetorical Triangle 2.2.1 pg. 3

​Juxtaposition 2.2.1 pg. 10

When you juxtapose things, you place them side by side. This makes the things seem related — whether they are or not. Here's an example:

This used to be a quiet town, but then along came the motorcycles, speedboats, and college students.

In this example, the author suggests that college students make just as much noise as motorcycles and speedboats. The author doesn't state it directly but simply juxtaposes these three things.​

​Analogy 2.2.1 pg. 9

​One of the most common rhetorical devices is analogy. An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things. By showing a connection between the two things, the analogy can persuade audiences to understand those things the way the author or speaker does. Here are two examples.

​Zeugma/Antithesis pg. 11

​Zeugma--- applies the same word to two ideas to show an unexpected relationship between them. "Come to New York, where you can find fortune and yourself."

Antithesis---​ words a sentence in a way that shows how two ideas are directly opposed. "The higher the taxes, the lower the wealth."

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​Figurative Language pg. 12

Metaphors

Similes

Personification

Allusion

Hyperbole and Understatement

CAN BE RHETORICAL TOO!!!!​

​Claim

​The central argument of a text. It was a thesis in your informational essay.

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Must take a clear stand --- be firm, be direct, be assertive -- not balanced

or neutral.

Must be debatable​ --- has a serious argument against it. Not just a

statement of fact.

Must be provable --- there is real evidence out there to support it.​

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2.3.2 Page 2

​Evidence

Whether authors are backing up their supporting reasons or responding to a counterargument, they rely on evidence to be convincing. Here are some different types of evidence that appear in argumentative texts.​

Examples

Quotes

Statistics and facts​

Subject | Subject

2.3.2 ​

​Types of Reasons

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We didn't talk about this in class..... but it's in the course work (2.3.2 page 5) and there are questions about it on the test.​

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There are different types of supporting reasons. Suppose an author wants to support this claim:

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High school students should be required to complete community service.

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The "because" that comes after the claim might be a premise readers generally agree with, an example that helps prove the point, or a general trend that's backed up by evidence.

​RESPOND IN THE CHAT TO ME

​What three words jump to mind when we speak of rhetorical appeals?

​Remember that claims and evidence must be

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Relevant -- closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.

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Credible​ -- able to be believed; convincing

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