100 POINTS
4.04 Staking Your Claim Guided Template: Complete steps 1-4.
For lesson 4.04 Staking Your Claim: You will read 2 speeches and determine which speaker has the more effective argument. In this lesson, you will begin planning for your essay by creating an outline.
Step 1: Ensure you have a full understanding of the topic of your paper and choose a side of the argument for your claim.
Essay Prompt:
After analyzing Abraham Lincoln's "House Divided" and Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death", determine and defend which speech is more effective due to the use of figurative language, rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices. Provide textual evidence from both speeches to strengthen your argument.
What is this prompt asking you to do?
Decide which speech has the stronger argument.
* Keep in mind that they are not arguing about the same topic, so you are just focusing on the techniques they use.
Find examples of figurative language, rhetorical appeals, and rhetorical devices to support your claim.
Step 2: Read both speeches thoroughly to gain an understanding of how both Lincoln and Henry employed various appeals and devices. It is strongly recommended that you annotate each speech so you can see them side by side. As you annotate, pay close attention to examples of figurative language, rhetorical devices, and rhetorical appeals.
Link to Both Speeches
Figurative Language Examples
Rhetorical Appeals Examples
Rhetorical Devices Examples
Step 3: Write an introduction paragraph that includes a hook, bridging statement, and claim below. Click here for a sample introduction. Your goal is to make it clear who had the more effective speech and why.
Step 4: Outline the body paragraphs and conclusion of your essay.
Your first body paragraph will discuss Rhetorical Appeals in the speeches
Your second body paragraph will discuss Figurative Language in the speeches
Your third body paragraph will discuss Rhetorical Devices in the speeches
Body Paragraph:
Rhetorical Appeals
Sample Paragraph
I. Strongest Reason
A. Evidence
B. Counterclaim
1.
C. Rebuttal
1.
Which rhetorical appeals did the more effective speech use?
A. Provide a quote where we see that appeal being used
B.
What type of rhetorical appeal did the less effective speech use?
C.
Why wasn’t it as effective?
Body Paragraph:
Figurative Language
Sample Paragraph
II. Strongest Reason
A. Evidence
B. Counterclaim
1.
C. Rebuttal
1.
Complete the same steps as above, but focus on Figurative Language
II.
A.
B.
1.
C.
1.
Body Paragraph:
Rhetorical Devices
Sample Paragraph
III. Strongest Reason
A. Evidence
B. Counterclaim
1.
C. Rebuttal
1.
Complete the same steps as above, but focus on rhetorical devices
III.
A.
B.
1.
C.
1.
Conclusion:
IV. Reassert your claim and stress its importance
Sample Conclusion
IV.
04.04 Staking Your Claim Rubric
On Target
Almost There
Needs Improvement
Introduction
(10 points)
10-8 points
The introduction is skillfully-crafted and includes the topic of the argument and claim.
The claim is clearly written and logical.
7-5 points
The introduction is acceptable and includes the topic of the argument and claim.
The claim is unclear or does not choose a clear side.
4-0 points
The introduction is weak and includes the topic of the argument and claim.
The claim is buried or confusing.
Claim, Reasons, & Evidence
(25 points)
25-19 points
The outline includes a claim that is supported by two or more reasons.
The reasons are supported by evidence from the speeches.
18-13 points
The outline includes a somewhat logical claim.
The claim is supported by only one reason.
Not all reasons are sufficiently supported by evidence from the speeches.
12-0 points
The outline includes a weak claim that has minimal support.
The reasons are not supported by evidence from the speeches.
Counterclaims & Rebuttals
(15 points)
15-12 points
The outline includes at least two counterclaims.
The counterclaims are supported by evidence from the speeches.
A compelling rebuttal with evidence to support it is provided for both counterclaims.
11-8 points
The outline includes one counterclaim.
The counterclaim is somewhat supported by evidence from the speeches.
A rebuttal and evidence to support it is provided for both counterclaims.
7-0 points
The outline includes no counterclaims.
The counterclaims are not supported by evidence from the speeches.
The rebuttals are weak lack evidence, or are nonexistent.
