Word Choice
Define "diction."
The author's choice of words
Define "paradox."
a statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth
Which appeal focuses on the credibility or trustworthiness of the speaker?
Ethos
How does redefining words help persuade a reader?
changes how readers think about important ideas
Which transcendentalist value encourages people to trust themselves and their own ideas? HINT: it's also the name of a Ralph Waldo Emerson text.
Self Reliance
If an author uses words like “free,” “limitless,” and “boundless,” how does that diction affect the tone?
creates an open, positive, expansive tone
Which of the following is a paradox?
A. The sky is blue
B. Less is more
C. The dog barked loudly
B. Less is more
Studies show that students who read daily improve their vocabulary by 30%.
Logos
An author wants to write a text about the key events leading up to the passage of the 15th amendment. What text structure would work best?
Chronological order
Transcendentalists believed nature was important because it…
connects people to truth, spirituality, and themselves
In poetry by Walt Whitman, why might he choose simple, everyday language instead of formal or complex words?
to sound more relatable, inclusive, and connected to common people
In Dickinson’s line “I’m nobody! Who are you?”—how is this a paradox?
calling yourself “nobody” while speaking confidently creates contradiction
If an author wants to make the audience feel sad or inspired, which appeal should they use?
Pathos
Rehanna logs into a job site web page and sees ten possible jobs tailored to her skill set. Scrolling through, she finds an offer from a company she has worked with previously. She clicks the link and she’s hired. Temporary work has existed for a long time, but rather than finding work through an agency, new online work sites connect temporary workers and clients directly. Welcome to the gig economy. Individuals have more options, can identify the work that matches their skill set, and can take charge of finding work.
What is the author's purpose?
To inform and persuade
Why did transcendentalists distrust society?
encourages independent thinking and confidence
Whitman often uses “I” and speaks directly to the reader. How does this affect his voice?
makes it personal, direct, inclusive, and confident
Dickinson’s poems are often short but complex. How does paradox help her say more with fewer words?
packs multiple meanings into one statement
This rule is unfair because it limits student freedom and doesn’t improve learning.
Logos (reasoning)
On a video screen at the front of the high school science lab is an image of a special guest speaker. This guest is giving new meaning to remote learning, since she is on the International Space Station orbiting Earth. The students in the class will observe the scientist repeating an experiment they performed the day before—but this time in a zero-gravity environment. Students may even submit questions via email. The hope is that this project sponsored by the Global Space Initiative will inspire a new generation of young people to become astronauts.
What is the author's purpose?
To inform
How do transcendentalist values challenge traditional thinking?
they reject rules, emphasize individuality, question authority
How does changing one word in a sentence (for example, “childlike” vs. “childish”) change meaning?
Changes the tone and connotation
Explain the paradox in the idea: “Silence can be louder than words.”
silence seems quiet but can have strong emotional impact or meaning
If Ralph Waldo Emerson establishes himself as a thoughtful philosopher, which appeal is he using?
Ethos
Why would a transcendentalist writer re-envision something ordinary in nature?
to show deeper meaning and connection to self/nature
How might transcendentalist values help someone make a difficult decision?
trust themselves, follow their beliefs, ignore pressure