Summarize this article in one sentence.
When you read the passage, note the author's main point and try to understand how they make their argument. Look for persuasive elements, such as references to scientific studies or appeals to readers' emotions. Read the passage once straight through, then underline and take notes on persuasive elements when you read it a second time. In order to get a good score, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of the text's main point and the rhetorical devices the author uses to make their case. Read the passage twice so you thoroughly comprehend it. It's wise to bring a watch to keep track of time. Just be sure it doesn't have an alarm or make any other sounds. Mark up the passage so you'll be able to quickly find the examples you'll need to cite in your essay. Underline the author's thesis, or central claim, and the key rhetorical devices they use to persuade their audience. In the margins, label why you've underlined a word or sentence for quick reference. For example, underline a reference to a study by a reputable agency (which would be considered ethos). In the margins, write, "factual evidence," or "appeal to authority." The way the author appeals to emotion (known as pathos), can be identified through asterisks, exclamation points, or other symbols that call your attention to key examples. You won't have extra scrap paper, but you can take notes and outline your essay on the page in the answer booklet labeled "For Planning Only." Your task is to explain and evaluate how the author builds their argument using persuasive rhetorical elements. Put yourself in the author's shoes, identify their central claim, and figure out what's needed to make that claim convincing. In your essay, you'll need to cite specific examples from the passage, such as evidence, reasoning, and stylistic elements. An author might establish their authority (ethos) by citing factual evidence, such as scientific studies or expert quotes. Keep in mind the passage might lack strong evidence, and your essay could explain how data or statistics would have strengthened the author's claim. Logical reasoning (logos) is the thread that ties the author's argument together. You might explain how the author cites a fact, then draws a conclusion, such as, "This study shows ocean temperatures are rising. If ocean temperatures get warmer, then more strong hurricanes will form." An author might appeal to readers' fears or beliefs, or use vivid, passionate language to add force to their claim (pathos). Analyze the stylistic elements of the text as well, such as the tone, figurative language (alliteration, metaphors, irony, etc.), imagery, parallel structure, and so on. Your essay shouldn't merely list every example of persuasive language that you can find. Ask yourself which techniques are essential aspects of the author's argument. In your essay, explain and evaluate how 2-3 essential techniques function. For example, the passage might argue that a decline in literacy has harmful effects on society. The key persuasive devices in this case would be factual evidence of a decline in literacy and specific examples of its harmful effects.
Spend about 5 to 10 minutes reading the sample passage. Underline examples and write notes in the margins. Identify how the author supports their argument. Focus on the most relevant persuasive elements.