Introduction
Welcome to the world of rhetoric. This WebQuest is designed to aid you in becoming more insightful, analytical readers and writers. Using information gathered, you will define and explain assigned rhetorical devices.
Task
You will begin by researching the five terms that your group is given. Next you will locate definition of each term, create examples of each device, locate literary works that contain examples of each, and state effectiveness of employing such a device in a piece of writing, whether a poem, novel, essay, or speech.
Below is a list of groups and terms:
Group 1 / Group 2 / Group 3 / Group 4 / Group 5 / Group 6Parallelism / Juxtaposition / Metonymy / Anecdote / Synecdoche / Rhetorical Q.
Anaphora / Exemplum / Ellipsis / Connotation / Euphemism / Aporia
Chiasmus / Amplification / Zeugma / Enthymeme / Litotes / Appositive
Antithesis / Allusion / Epithet / Hypophora / Alliteration / Onomatopoeia
Syllepsis / Hyperbole / Polysyndeton / Antithesis / Epistrophe / Epanalepsis
After assigned to a group, you will:
Define given rhetorical devices
Create examples of each
Locate literary works that employ specific devices
Analyze effectiveness of device in your examples
Present findings via PowerPoint
Reflect on what you learned (essay format)
The Process
Carefully read the following directions before beginning WebQuest. In your assigned groups:
1) Review the website “How to Conduct Research on the Web” and check out the rubrics on Mr. Sparling’s web page.
2) Assign members specific duties. Be sure to equally distribute the work load. It matters not how you divide the assignment, but do be fair.
3) Next, explore the sites listed below in the “Resources” section. There are links to rhetorical handbooks, examples, literary works, and bibliography builders.
4) As you peruse various sites, take notes (use Inspiration to organize your ideas.) Feel free to print excerpts from literary works, definitions, or whateveryou feel will help you along the way. (You may find a journal helpful)
5) Be sure to highlight pertinent information, so that it is easy to locate when you begin your reflective essay, and PowerPoint.
6) Once all information is gathered, your group is prepared to create PPT and write 2-3 page reflection. Be sure to include member roles in reflection. I suggest each person contribute a few insightful paragraphs, and someone
garner thoughts and type paper. Document your sources (see bib. builder resources)
7) Utilize definitions, examples, excerpts from literary works, and your analyses in PPT. Don’t reinvent the wheel. PPT must include at least 10 slides. Be sure to include clear definition of terms, examples that you created, and examples
from literary works.
9) Revisit, reflect, and revise
10) Share findings with class as a cohesive unit. Present PPT slideshow, and sharereflection.
11) You are the teacher now! Be sure to check for understanding formally or informally.
Resources
Rhetorical Devices (Definitions and Examples)
A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices This site contains listings of rhetorical devices, definitions, and examples. The online version is based on a book by long time educator Robert Harris.
Use ofRhetoricalDevices Rhetorical devices are useful. It is how something is said, not what is said that usually wins the day. Having a good idea or something important to say is not enough. One must also get the message across to the intended recipient(s), and do it in such a way that both the message and its importance are received and understood.
Shakespeare's Grammar: RhetoricalDevices Everything you wanted to know about the power of rhetorical devices in Shakespearean works. Cite is by Shakespeare Resource Center
American Rhetoric - RhetoricalFigures in Sound If you are an auditory learner, you will love this site! This page contains brief audio (mp3) artifacts illustrating 37 different classical rhetorical devices.
The Forest of Rhetoric - Guide to terms of classical and renaissance rhetoric. Site contains definitions and examples of devices.
Glossary of Rhetorical DevicesA glossary of rhetorical terms with examples.
Rhetorical Techniques PPT Rhetorical techniques PowerPoint.
Literary Works
I Have A Dream The full text of Martin Luther King’s moving speech.
MLK “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”
Passages for rhetorical analysisHere you will find a plethora of passages for analysis.
The Declaration of IndependenceFull text
Inaugural AddressJohn F. Kennedy’s speech
Pearl Harbor SpeechFranklin Roosevelt’s speech
MLA Format (includes Bib builders)
BibBuilder 1.2 (Free MLA-Style Bibliography Builder; DG Jerz)Free! This is an outstanding site. You will learn proper MLA documentation for citing various sources.Caveat: It is only as good as the person entering the information. This free bib builder does not correct grammar.
A Guide for Writing Research Papers Based on Modern Language Association (MLA) DocumentationEverything you wanted to know about MLA documentation. Based on 4th edition of handbook from 1999.
EasyBib.comAnother free online bib builder. This one does not do as much as the BibBuilder 1.2, but it is easy to use.
Citation BuilderFree citation builder. Only builds bib. for books and articles. Takes a little longer than the others.
Evaluation
Groups will be evaluated using two rubrics and self-critique: (Rubrics are posted on Mr. Sparling’s web page)
Evaluation of PPT/Oral Presentation Rubric 36 points
Evaluation of Reflective Essay Rubric 24 points
60 points
General questions to keep in mind:
/ What meaning do you think your project will have to your audience?/ What did you learn as a result of project? What did you discover?
/ How might you have make project better?
/ What would you do differently if you had to do the same project again?
/ Are there adequate examples?
/ Are definitions free of ambiguity?
/ Does PowerPoint and reflective essay work cited page(s) adhere to MLA format?
/ Did we address every facet of assignment?
/ Did all members share the responsibilities in completing this WebQuest?
/ What did I enjoy about this project? What are my strengths/weaknesses?