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Lesson 4

As we begin to prepare for the Section Diagnostic, we will work in pairs to conduct rhetorical analysis on an article about the novel.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I critique and evaluate characteristics and structural elements of argumentative texts including the thesis and appeals of “Godmother of Intelligences.”

  • Can I critique and evaluate characteristics and structural elements of argumentative texts including the use of evidence in “Godmother of Intelligences.”

  • Can I evaluate the author’s purpose within “Godmother of Intelligences.”

  • Can I compose rhetorical analysis essays using genre characteristics and craft?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Signet Classics, 1831
  • Unit Reader
    • “Godmother of Intelligences,” Eileen Hunt Botting, Aeon, 2018

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss

We will work in groups to review our answers to the guiding questions from “Walton, In Continuation Of Frankenstein.”

Step 1

Join a group to review your homework reading. Use the following questions to guide your discussion:

  1. In his final moments, Victor acknowledges that in making a "rational creature" he became responsible for it but feels justified in the way he treated the monster because he owed more to "beings of his own species." How does this scene inform our understanding of what it means to be human? Cite evidence from the chapter to support your conclusion.

  2. Shelley crafts her novel so that it begins and ends the same way: with Walton’s letters. Now that you have finished the novel, what is the overall impact of the epistolary format? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

  3. What parallels can you draw between Frankenstein and modern scientific experimentation?

As you discuss your answers, consider adding notes to your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool.

Step 2

Take a few moments to record additional notes in your Frankenstein Big Ideas Note-Taking Tool.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss

We will read the article “Godmother Of Intelligences” by Eileen Hunt Botting and discuss guiding questions in pairs.

Step 1

Read and annotate "Godmother of Intelligences" by Eileen Hunt Botting in pairs. Use the following questions to guide your reading and use text evidence to support your responses:

  1. What is the author’s claim? What evidence does the author use to support it?

  2. What is the author’s purpose in writing this article? Identify the rhetorical devices the author uses in the article. How do they contribute to the meaning of her text?

  3. Identify the rhetorical appeals the author uses in the article. How do they contribute to the meaning of her text?

  4. How has this article informed your understanding of the big ideas in Frankenstein? Cite specific examples from the text.

Step 2

After reading the article and discussing with your partner, discuss how you might approach a written response to the following question as a class:

  1. How do the author’s rhetorical devices and appeals impact the effectiveness of her argument?

Activity 3: Discuss – Write

We will practice writing rhetorical analysis in preparation for the Section Diagnostic.

Step 1

A rhetorical analysis is an essay that analyzes the rhetoric an author utilizes in a piece of writing. It should begin with a thesis and use claims and evidence to support the thesis.

To practice writing a rhetorical analysis before the Section Diagnostic, construct an introductory paragraph for the question below that includes a thesis statement that references the claims you would use in a rhetorical analysis.

  1. How do the author's rhetorical devices and appeals impact the effectiveness of her argument?

Step 2

Exchange drafts with a partner. Read your partner’s paragraph and write feedback on sticky notes or in the margins of their paper.

Remember, you are providing two types of feedback:

  • reinforcing (e.g., "You did a nice job with the thesis. Your perspective is very clear.")

  • constructive (e.g., "Your claims do not entirely align with your thesis. Perhaps you could change it this way instead.")

Step 3

Examine your partner’s feedback. Write a response for each piece of feedback on a sticky note or in your Learning Log.

Activity 4: Read

For homework, we will identify key words and writing techniques that we plan to use in our responses to the Section Diagnostic.

For homework, review your Section 4 Diagnostic Checklist.

Review your Vocabulary Journal. Identify a significant word or words that you would like to use in your response to the Section Diagnostic.

Review your Mentor Sentence Journal. Select at least one technique that you plan to use when writing your response to the Section Diagnostic.