Unit 4 Lesson 2 Graphic Organizer
Directions: Make a copy of this page. Fill in all of the boxes completely. You will upload your completed draft in the dropbox at the end of the lesson.
Step 1: Read the prompt below.
Essay Prompt: The two passages below, both written by noted contemporary scientist Edward O. Wilson, appear in Wilson’s book The Future of Life (2002). In the passages, Wilson satirizes the language of two groups that hold opposing attitudes about environmentalism. Read each passage carefully. Then write an essay in which you analyze how Wilson’s satire illustrates the unproductive nature of such discussions.
Step 2: Read the two passages:
Step 3: Consider rhetorical situation.
Look at the introductory information. What do you notice about who wrote each passage and why it was written?
Step 4: Make note of similarities and differences between the two passages.
Think LANGUAGE and ARGUMENTS
Passage 1
Passage 2
Step 5: Make note of any elements of satire: do the similarities/differences between the passages create any of these elements?
Hyperbole
Incongruity
Reversal
Parody
Step 6: Draft your outline to set up the structure of your essay
Include the essential parts of your essay in the outline below. This is just to help you organize your thoughts for the final draft.
Introductory paragraph - Use the rhetorical precis to help you formulate your introduction. See the full format here
Name of author, , category and title of
work, date in parentheses ; a rhetorically accurate verb (such as “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,”
“imply,” “claim”); and a THAT clause containing the major assertion (thesis
statement or “promise” sentence) of the work.
Explain how the author is using language to make meaning
A statement of the author’s apparent purpose, followed by an “in order to”
phrase.
…in order to …
A description of the intended audience and/or the relationship of the
author establishes with the audience.
Put the [colorful] pieces together and write your introduction here. It should be 3-4 complete sentences. →
↓Structure your essay below↓
Plan to establish your line of reasoning to defend your claim/assertion of how his satire shows the unproductive nature of these discussions (Strategies 1, 2, 3)
Provide 3 reasons that DEFEND your claim
Strategy 1:
Strategy 2:
Strategy 3:
Strategy 1
(topic sentence)
(TEXT) Evidence A
Explanation
(TEXT) Evidence B
Explanation
Strategy 2
(topic sentence)
(TEXT) Evidence A
Explanation
(TEXT) Evidence B
Explanation
Strategy 3
(topic sentence)
(TEXT) Evidence A
Explanation
(TEXT) Evidence B
Explanation
Closing Sentence
Step 3: Consider rhetorical situation.
- Passage 1 is written by Edward O. Wilson, a noted contemporary scientist.
- Passage 2 is also written by Edward O. Wilson.
- Both passages are from Wilson's book "The Future of Life" (2002).
- The passages are written as a form of satire to criticize the language and arguments used by different groups regarding environmentalism.
Step 4: Make note of similarities and differences between the two passages:
Passage 1:
- Language: Uses exaggerated and dramatic language to mock environmentalists.
- Arguments: Ridicules environmentalists for their extreme views on protecting the environment.
Passage 2:
- Language: Uses scientific and technical language to mock industrialists.
- Arguments: Ridicules industrialists for their dismissal of environmental concerns and focus on profit.
Step 5: Make note of any elements of satire:
Both passages use elements of satire, including:
- Hyperbole: Exaggerated language and ideas to mock the extreme views of both groups.
- Incongruity: The juxtaposition of extreme views and language with the reality of the situation.
- Reversal: The switch of language and attitudes between the two groups being satirized.
- Parody: Imitation of the language and arguments used by the groups being satirized.
Step 6: Draft your outline to set up the structure of your essay:
Introductory paragraph:
- Name of author, Edward O. Wilson, book title "The Future of Life" (2002), and the use of satire in the passages.
- Assertion: Wilson's satire illustrates the unproductive nature of discussions about environmentalism.
- Purpose: Wilson uses language to satirize opposing attitudes towards environmentalism in order to critique their extreme views and highlight the need for a more balanced approach.
- Intended audience: Readers who are interested in environmental issues and the discussion surrounding them.
Structure your essay below:
I. Introduction
A. Name of author, book title, and use of satire in the passages.
B. Assertion: Wilson's satire illustrates the unproductive nature of discussions about environmentalism.
C. Purpose: Wilson uses language to satirize opposing attitudes towards environmentalism in order to critique their extreme views and highlight the need for a more balanced approach.
D. Intended audience: Readers who are interested in environmental issues and the discussion surrounding them.
II. Strategy 1: Exaggerated language
A. Topic sentence: Wilson's use of exaggerated language satirizes the extreme views of both environmentalists and industrialists.
B. Evidence A: Passage 1 - exaggerated description of environmentalists as "wild-eyed lovers of nature"
- Explanation: This hyperbolic language ridicules the extreme devotion of environmentalists to nature.
C. Evidence B: Passage 2 - sarcastic use of scientific and technical language by industrialists to dismiss environmental concerns
- Explanation: Wilson parodying the industrialists' use of technical language to downplay the importance of environmental issues.
III. Strategy 2: Ridiculing arguments
A. Topic sentence: Wilson's satire ridicules the arguments made by both environmentalists and industrialists.
B. Evidence A: Passage 1 - mocking environmentalists' view that the environment should be preserved at all costs
- Explanation: Wilson uses parody to highlight the impracticality of this extreme stance and the need for a more balanced approach.
C. Evidence B: Passage 2 - pointing out the industrialists' focus on profit and disregard for the environment
- Explanation: Wilson uses reversal to highlight the flaws in the industrialists' arguments and the lack of consideration for environmental concerns.
IV. Strategy 3: Highlighting the need for balance
A. Topic sentence: Wilson's satire emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach to environmentalism.
B. Evidence A: Passage 1 - contrasting extreme environmentalist views with the reality of practical conservation measures
- Explanation: Wilson uses incongruity to show how extreme views can hinder progress and the importance of finding a middle ground.
C. Evidence B: Passage 2 - satire towards industrialists' dismissal of environmental concerns and the consequences of their actions
- Explanation: Wilson uses incongruity and reversal to illustrate the negative effects of ignoring environmental concerns and the need for a more balanced perspective.
V. Conclusion
- Recap the main points of the essay.
- Restate the assertion that Wilson's satire highlights the unproductive nature of discussions about environmentalism.
- Emphasize the necessity of finding a middle ground between extreme views to effectively address environmental issues.