Unit & Timeline

Standard Objectives

Rhetorical Appeals & Devices, 2–3 weeks

-        Ethos, Pathos, Logos

-        Rhetorical Devices (repetition, parallelism, rhetorical questions, allusion, imagery, tone, diction)

-        Analyzing rhetoric in speeches and media

-        Applying rhetoric in student writing and speaking

Texts Studied:

-        Famous speeches (historical & contemporary)

-        Editorials and opinion writing

-        Public service announcements

-        Media advertisements

-        Excerpts from movie clips

Reading for All Purposes

• 9.2.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of rhetorical strategies.

• 9.2.2: Determine a central claim and analyze how rhetorical appeals and devices support that claim.

• 9.2.4: Analyze how word choice, tone, and rhetorical devices shape meaning and influence an audience.

• 9.2.5: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning structure and organization create emphasis, credibility, and persuasive impact.

Writing and Composition

• 9.3.1: Write arguments to support claims using valid reasoning and relevant evidence.
• Objective: Students will write a persuasive argument that includes a clear claim, logical reasoning, and credible evidence, tailored to a specific audience.

• 9.3.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas clearly and accurately.
• Objective: Students will write rhetorical analysis paragraphs explaining how rhetorical appeals and devices contribute to an author’s argument.

• 9.3.4: Produce clear and coherent writing appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

• 9.3.5: Develop and strengthen writing through planning, revising, editing, and rewriting.

Research and Reasoning

• 9.4.2: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
• Objective: Students will integrate quotations and evidence from speeches and media to support rhetorical analysis and argument writing.

Speaking and Listening
• 9.1.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions on rhetorical effectiveness and argumentation.
• Objective: Students will engage in structured discussions evaluating claims, counterclaims, and persuasive techniques across texts.

• 9.1.3: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly and logically.
• Objective: Students will deliver a persuasive speech demonstrating effective use of rhetorical appeals, devices, and argument structure.