According to the video, what are the three components of an author's purpose?

What the writer is trying to do, who their audience is, and the context in which they are writing.

The video mentions that analyzing the purpose of a text can be a process of trial and error. Explain why this is the case.

Initial interpretations of purpose may be incomplete or inaccurate, requiring revision as you consider additional evidence and perspectives.

What are Aristotle's three artistic appeals, and how do they help in understanding an author's purpose?

Logos (logic), Pathos (emotion), and Ethos (ethics/credibility). They reveal how the writer tries to persuade the audience, indicating the writer's underlying goal.

Explain the difference between logos, pathos, and ethos.

Logos appeals to logic and reason using facts and evidence. Pathos appeals to emotions. Ethos establishes the writer's credibility and trustworthiness.

Give an example of a situation where an appeal to ethos might be ineffective, even if the writer has impressive credentials.

If the writer's credentials are not relevant to the topic at hand, the appeal to ethos will be weak or unconvincing.

Author's Purpose in Complex Texts

11th GradeELA55 min

Learning Objective

I can determine an author's purpose in complex texts and analyze how that purpose influences their writing choices.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

12 min

Introducing Purpose and Strategies | Rhetoric & Composition | Study Hall

Study Hall

Guided Notes

11 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
A writer's purpose includes what they are trying to accomplish, who their audience is, and the context in which they are writing.
•
Aristotle identified three strategic appeals or artistic proofs, which include logos, pathos, and ethos.
•
Ethos appeals build trust in the writer, logos appeals aim for the audience's sense of reason, and pathos appeals focus on emotions.

Practice

17 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Imagine you are reading a speech given by a politician. Identify a potential purpose of the speech, and then describe one specific writing choice (e.g., use of statistics, emotional language, or citing personal experience) the politician makes to support that purpose. How does that writing choice help the politician achieve their goal?”

Teacher Guide

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Answer keys for all questions
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Author's Purpose in Complex Texts

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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