AP Lang
NYT Work—2nd Semester
These questions will be used for each article in second semester. When it’s your turn to present, go to the New York Times OPINION page, click on COLUMNISTS and choose a column from the last week to read carefully and study for these questions. Be prepared to read the article to the class and lead them in a discussion of these questions. You should let them talk and throw out options, but you should be prepared as the expert on your article. Please steer clear of CONTRIBUTORS.
1. What is the thesis and where is it? If it’s implicit, how does the author make it clear?
2. Identify rhetorical modes and devices. Get specific about identifying these—in the text, clearly marked—then also look at the effect.
3. To what does the author appeal? Again, point it out in the text, clearly stating not just what kind of appeal, but what particular emotion, value, etc. the author is drawing on. How effective is it?
4. What is the tone of the overall piece? Use three good words to pinpoint the tone as exactly as possible.
5. Are there any fallacies in the argument? Which ones? Point them out in the text.
6. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this argument? Be specific and objective in your observation. Don’t be swayed by whether you agree with the author or not!
7. After studying this piece, what, if anything, would you like to emulate as a writer?
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