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38.2: Evaluating Texts as Potential Sources Class Activity by H Morrison

  • Page ID
    289168
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    Activity

    Directions: Complete the following writing activity in class, and then share with classmates, either in small groups or as a whole. 

    Evaluating rhetoric: After reading the article above, compose a summary and critique about it.

    First, write the summary paragraph: remember to be objective (do not include your opinion; just report the facts of the reading) and keep it to 10 sentences or less. Include major points and the thesis of the piece.

    Then, compose a short critique paragraph. This should be your opinion, but your informed, focused opinion on the author’s rhetoric and overall effectiveness. What does the author do well, rhetorically? How are they convincing, how are they effective at persuading their audience? Conversely, where do they falter? How are they not effective/less effective at persuading their audience?

    Consider the following:

    • The author’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos. Were you swayed by these features, and if so, is there credible facts and citations to back up whatever was moved you?
    • The author’s use of sources and citations. Can you locate the sources that are cited? Are all facts and figures that the author could not have reasonable come up with on their own cited?
    • Do the author’s biases skew the information presented?

    38.2: Evaluating Texts as Potential Sources Class Activity by H Morrison is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.