Precis
Question: What is the purpose of the first sentence in a précis paragraph?
to name the author, title, and state the main argument or claim
What kind of appeal is used in this sentence?
"If we don’t act now, our children will suffer the consequences of climate change."
Pathos
What does the first "C" in SPACECAT stand for?
context
Which sense is being appealed to in this sentence?
"The bacon sizzled in the pan, popping and crackling with each bubble of grease."
Hear / Sound
What can you infer from this sentence?
"Jackson slammed his locker shut and stormed down the hallway without saying a word."
Jackson is angry.
Which sentence of a précis is this?
"In an urgent manner, the author supports her claim by citing recent climate data and expert opinions."
second sentence
Fill in the blank with a simile:
"Her smile was as bright as ____."
...
"The author uses personal anecdotes to connect with young voters and make her message more relatable."
Which part of SPACECAT does this represent?
choices
Fill in the blank with a sensory word:
"The garden was full of the _____ scent of blooming roses."
sweet
Read the sentence:
"After studying for weeks, Maya held her breath as the teacher passed back the test results."
What can you infer about how Maya feels?
Fill in the blank:
Sentence 3 of a précis explains the author’s _______.
Fill in the blank with a logical appeal (logos):
"According to a recent study, students who read 20 minutes a day score _____ higher on standardized tests."
30%
Match the sentence to the correct SPACECAT component:
"This article was written in the days following the 9/11 attacks."
Identify three sensory words in the following sentence:
"The icy wind cut through her coat, and the bitter cold stung her cheeks."
icy, bitter, stung
"The sky darkened, and thunder rumbled in the distance. Julie ran to grab her umbrella and close the windows."
What can you infer is about to happen?
Question: Read these four sentences and number them in the correct order for a rhetorical précis:
"In an urgent manner, she supports her claim by citing recent climate data and expert opinions."
"In her 2022 op-ed, ‘The Climate Clock is Ticking,’ Dr. Naomi Fields argues that immediate action is needed to avoid irreversible environmental damage."
"Her purpose is to motivate the public and lawmakers to take action before it’s too late."
"She adopts a tone of urgency in order to alarm her readers into recognizing the severity of the situation."
2, 1, 3, 4
What appeal and what figurative language are used in the following sentence?
"If we don’t act now, our future will vanish like smoke in the wind."
pathos and simile
The speaker is a decorated veteran and former senator."
What SPACECAT element is this, and why is it important?
Speaker - it helps establish ethos and shows why the speaker is credible.
Choose a sensory word related to taste, and use it in your own sentence.
spicy - The spicy salsa made my mouth burn.
What can you infer about the meaning of the word "reluctantly" in this sentence?
"She reluctantly handed over her phone when the teacher asked for it."
she didn't want to give the teacher the phone, unwillingly
Write your own version of a sentence 4 for a précis about an article where the author uses humor to criticize fast food culture.
"He adopts a humorous tone to highlight the absurdity of fast food advertising and provoke thoughtful reflection."
If we reduce class sizes, students will receive more individual attention. Studies show a 15% increase in test scores when class sizes are under 20 students. Teachers agree this change would help students succeed.
Which appeals are used in this argument?
ethos and logos
A student writes:
"The speaker hopes to inspire action by using vivid imagery of ocean pollution and powerful emotional appeals."
Which three SPACECAT components are touched on here?
Purpose, Appeals, and Choices
Create a sentence that includes at least three different senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste).
... ex. "The crisp leaves crunched under my boots as the scent of pine filled the frosty air."
"‘Don’t forget your coat,’ Mom said. ‘It’s freezing outside.’
‘I’ll be fine,’ Chris said, stepping out in just a hoodie and jeans."
What can you infer about Chris from this exchange?
Chris is stubborn. He doesn't like listening to advice.