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Lesson 5

We have practiced conducting rhetorical analysis on multiple types of texts. To demonstrate our understanding of the skill, we will write responses that rhetorically analyze an article about what scientists can learn from Frankenstein.

Lesson Goals

Reading and Knowledge

  • Delineate Argumentation: How well do I identify the claims, reasoning and evidence used to develop the author’s arguments and explanations in the article?
  • Evaluate Effects: How well do I evaluate the author’s use of rhetorical appeals and devices in the article?
  • Evaluate Information: How well do I evaluate the relevance and credibility of information, ideas, evidence, reasoning, and the argument presented in the article?

Writing

  • Form Claims: How well do I develop and clearly communicate meaningful and defensible claims that represent valid, evidence-based analysis of the author’s argument article?
  • Organize Ideas: How well do I sequence and group sentences and paragraphs and use structure, evidence, and academic vocabulary to establish coherent, logical, and well-developed arguments from Frankenstein?
  • Develop Ideas: How well do I use reasoning and evidence to develop and support coherent and logical arguments from Frankenstein?

Texts

Core

  • Tradebook
    • Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Signet Classics, 1831
  • Unit Reader
    • “Dr. Frankenstein’s Three Big Mistakes,” Charlotte Gordon, Slate.com, 2017

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss – Read

We will review the notes about rhetorical analysis from our Learning Logs. Then, we will review the expectations for the Section Diagnostic.

Step 1

With a partner, review your Learning Log and what you have learned thus far about rhetorical analysis.

Step 2

Review the Section 4 Diagnostic Checklist.

Discuss with your partner how the expectations of this task fit with the notes you have taken. Talk about how to meet the expectations listed on the Section 4 Diagnostic Checklist. Identify questions you have about the task.

In a class discussion, ask clarifying questions so you are ready to begin planning and writing your response to the question.

Activity 2: Write

We will plan and begin writing our responses to the section 4 diagnostic question.

Step 1

Read Charlotte Gordon’s "Dr. Frankenstein’s 3 Big Mistakes: What Artificial Intelligence Researchers Can Learn from Frankenstein." Consider the guiding questions from your Section 4 Diagnostic Checklist as you read:

  1. What is the central claim of Charlotte Gordon’s article? What evidence does she use to support it?

  2. What is her primary purpose in writing the article?

  3. What rhetorical appeals and devices does she use to achieve her purpose?

  4. Is her argument effective? Why or why not?

Step 2

Begin planning your response by outlining your responses to the guiding questions in the Section 4 Diagnostic.

Be sure to consult your Section 4 Diagnostic Checklist andLearning Log.

Activity 3: Write

For homework, we will finish our answers to the section 4 diagnostic question.

Draft your response to the Section 4 Diagnostic question. You will have the opportunity to revise your response after receiving feedback from your teacher.

Activity 4: Write

We will reflect on our work on the Section Diagnostic and assess how prepared we are for the Culminating Task.

Step 1

Choose at least three of the questions below and respond to them in your Learning Log:

  1. How well did you take necessary action to prepare for the task?

  2. What went well for you during the completion of this task?

  3. What did you struggle with during the completion of this task? How did you push through that struggle?

  4. How well did you actively focus your attention during this independent task?

  5. How well did you develop and use an effective and efficient process to maintain workflow during this task?

  6. What would you do differently during the next Section Diagnostic?

Step 2

Review your Culminating Task Progress Tracker. Think about all you have learned and done during this section of the unit. Evaluate your skills and knowledge to determine how prepared you are for the Culminating Task.

  • Add or refine any skills and content knowledge required for the Culminating Task.

  • Evaluate how well you are mastering skills and knowledge required for the Culminating Task.