Lesson 2/Activity 2: Persuasion - Logical and Emotional Appeals

“When the intensity of emotional conviction subsides, a man who is in the habit of reasoning will search for logical grounds in favor of the belief which he finds in himself” - Bertrand Russell^[1]

^[2]

People who sell cars use logic, “this car is safe, affordable, and fuel efficient”, and emotion, “You look great in this fast, sporty car”. Studies have shown that car buyers try to be logical, but ultimately it is their emotions that make the final decision. Most authors intend to persuade when writing, and they use emotion and logic as well.

Benchmarks:                

11.4.3 - Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).

11.5.1 - Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Learning Targets:        

I can show how an author appeals to the reader’s logic and emotions over time in a text.

I can cite meaningful text using MLA style.

Essential Questions:        

When making claims about a theme in a story, what are the benefits of citing textual evidence?

How did the author’s choices impact the value of the messages in the text?

You Will Need:        One or Two Days

                        Access to the internet

                        MLA Citation

Activity:                Please follow the eight (8) steps in order.

STEP 5:

Find two (2) textual examples from Pap’s Rant that show Pap’s ugliness. Chapter 6 (page 28) paragraph starts with “Call this a Govment!…”        

Find two (2) textual examples of Jim’s kindness in chapter 9 (page 50)

STEP 6:

Cite the author and the page number(s) at the end of each textual example.

                MLA citation looks like this: “Quoted text from the novel” (Twain 64).

STEP 7:

Add these findings to your “Themes” doc.

STEP 8:

Submit Assignment