Day 8 – Fahrenheit 451

1. Day 8 – Fahrenheit 451 Reviewing persuasive techniques

2. Bell Ringer #3: (A) 5/13 & (B) 5/19 If you were going to write a book, what would it contain? What things do you think are important for the world to know? Would it be entertaining . . . persuasive . . . or informative? Write a 1 – 2 paragraph “excerpt” from your book.

3. Word Work #3 • emphasize (verb): to stress or to highlight • implore (verb): to beg urgently; to beseech • condone (verb): to approve Think about a time when you need to be persuasive. Use each of the above words in a sentence of your own creation that persuades someone to act on or believe in something.

4. Group Discussion Questions (p. 131 - 150) • What advice does Faber give Montag? • What becomes significant about the Mechanical Hound in this section? • How does Faber protect his home and identity? • How do members of the community become involved in the search for Montag? • Explain the symbolic comparison between the sun and the firemen. • Why does Montag head for the river? What does this symbolize? • What does Montag see once he gets beyond the city? What character does he recall? Why?

5. Review Persuasive Techniques

6. Skill Focus: Persuasion Definition: Persuasion is the attempt to convince others to do something or to change a belief of their own free will.

7. Persuasion vs. Propaganda: What is the difference? • Propaganda techniques are designed to convince people to believe something, regardless of its truth and always in a one-sided manner. Propaganda techniques tend to be subjective. • Persuasive techniques are designed to establish the truth of an argument or claim by presenting evidence. Persuasive techniques can be objective or subjective.

8. Persuasive Writing • Persuasive writing tries to change what the audience thinks, feels, believes, or values, or to move the audience to take action. • In a persuasive argument the person attempts to convince the audience to embrace that same position. • Some examples used to persuade: • Make sure your approach is presented appropriately • If you cannot find convincing evidence, consider changing your point of view. • If something makes sense, that in itself can be convincing. Telling the audience what benefits they would derive from following your advice can be helpful.

9. Persuasion Examples, cont. • Finding common ground (appeal to principle, belief, or ideal that you and your audience share) • Use specific details. This includes statistics and other numerical data. • Address the other person’s point of view. Ask yourself, “Have I ever been in a similar situation?” and “How would I feel if . . .?” • Make your point in several different ways. This will help to ensure that you have communicated clearly and may help to reinforce your point.

10. Persuasive Techniques Ethical Appeal (ethos) appealing to someone’s sense of authority/credibility

11. Examples: Ethical appeal Michael Jordan says: “The best energy drink to consume is Gatorade.” How does this persuade us to buy this drink? What is ethical about Michael Jordan’s opinion?

12. Persuasive Techniques Emotional appeal (Pathos) appealing to someone’s sense of emotion

13. Example: Emotional appeal There are literally millions of animals that are abandoned each year, just left to die in the streets. Won’t you help just one of them?

14. Persuasive Techniques Logical Appeal (logos) appealing to someone’s sense of reason.

15. Example: Logical appeal • You should work hard at school because . . . • It gives you options (choices!). • It helps you understand the world around you. • It will help you get a good job. • Education = $$$ • It gives you power to live your life the way you want to!

17. Practice Which type of argument (logos, ethos, or pathos) is the following, and how do you know??? “You shouldn’t smoke because it is bad for your health. Think about all of the little kids who look up to you and admire you, would you really want to let them down?”

18. Persuasive Technique Practice Read the article and answer the following questions: • Identify the article’s hook and intended audience. • How does the author use the persuasive techniques—ethos, pathos, and logos? Justify your answer(s). • Does the author effectively close his argument in the conclusion? Does he leave the audience with anything to consider? • Does the article contain any jargon? If so, list examples. • How does this article relate to the discussions we have had about Fahrenheit 451?

19. Persuasive Writing Assignment

20. Let’s Discuss: What is Censorship? • What are common books banned in society today? • In what ways are people censored in today’s society? • How can censorship be helpful to society? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of censorship?

21. Brainstorming your idea… Write a persuasive letter arguing your points FOR or AGAINST censorship. For example: Do you wish to argue that children under the age of 12 should not have free access to internet? Or do you believe that To Kill a Mockinbird should not be banned in any American high schools? Consider who your audience should be and why they should care about your subject. How do you plan to persuade them using ethos, pathos, and logos?

22. Assignment: You should write a minimum 5 paragraph letters persuading your audience to support your idea or take action against your claim against censorship. You should include but are not limited to the following: Introduction: Who is your audience? Why would they care about your topic? How do you plan to create a “hook” to hold their attention? How do you prove that you are reliable? Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a different persuasive technique: • Ethos: How do you plan to use reliable and credible sources as support? • Pathos: How do you plan to emotionally connect with your audience? • Logos: What logic, reasoning, or evidence to you plan to use a support? [If you use specific facts and statistics, you will need to cite your sources. General knowledge does not require citations; however, be sure to avoid using your opinion only.] Conclusion: How can you wrap up your main points? What final thoughts do you want to leave with your audience?