Rhetorical Analysis: John Muir Save the Redwoods

What is John Muir's primary purpose in writing "Save the Redwoods"?

• To entertain readers with stories about trees

• To advocate for the preservation of Sequoia trees

• To describe the history of the Sierra Club

• To explain the process of lumber production

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

Who is the intended audience of John Muir's writing in "Save the Redwoods"?

• Lumberjacks and mill workers

• Politicians and policymakers

• The general American public

• European botanists

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

How does John Muir use the metaphor of "God's trees" to achieve his purpose?

• To suggest that trees are divine and should be worshipped

• To emphasize the sacredness and importance of preserving trees

• To argue that trees are more important than humans

• To imply that trees are invincible and do not need protection

Which of the following examples of connotative language has the strongest negative connotation regarding the destruction of trees?

• "dancing-floor"

• "ghastly disfigured ruin"

• "primeval beauty"

• "majestic arms"

What reasoning does Muir provide to argue against cutting down the Sequoias for lumber?

• They are too small to be useful for lumber

• They have historical and ecological significance

• They are already protected by law

• They are not native to California

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

How does Muir use the example of George Washington to illustrate his point about the Sequoias? Choose 2

• To show that both are American symbols

• To compare the value of trees to historical figures

• To argue that both are outdated and irrelevant

• To suggest that both should be preserved for future generations

What is the effect of Muir's use of the phrase "righteous uprising" in the context of tree preservation?

• It suggests a violent rebellion

• It conveys a sense of moral duty and justice

• It implies a religious movement

• It indicates a political campaign

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which of the following best describes the tone of Muir's writing in "Save the Redwoods"?

• Indifferent and detached

• Humorous and light-hearted

• Passionate and persuasive

• Scientific and analytical

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does Muir's description of the Sequoias as "kings of the forest" contribute to his argument?

• It diminishes their importance by comparing them to royalty

• It elevates their status and emphasizes their grandeur

• It suggests they are outdated and should be replaced

• It implies they are dangerous and should be controlled

What does Muir mean by stating that "any fool can destroy trees"?

• Destroying trees requires no skill or intelligence

• Only foolish people are interested in cutting down trees

• Trees are too weak to withstand human intervention

• Planting trees is more difficult than destroying them

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3