WHAT YOU MUST DO AFTER YOU FINISH READING PRESENT SHOCK AND BEFORE COMING TO THE HIGH SCHOOL ON AUGUST 20.

Respond to the two following rhetorical analysis prompts.

#1: Persuasive Writing Style

Find three passages in the book (one from the beginning, one from the middle, and one from the end) that reveal Douglas Rushkoff's writing style. Consider some of the following: word choice (including a mix of neologisms and precise, sophisticated vocabulary--look up words if necessary), sentence structure (including a variation of simple and complex sentences), also including various kinds of listing), chapter structure (look at the beginnings and ends of chapters, consider his use of transitions), use of supporting detail (sometimes with quick references, sometimes with elaborate descriptions and explanations) and tone (one person describes the tone--the author's attitude--as "concerned": do you agree? How would you describe the tone particularly in the passages you've chosen?). Analyze how the style of language Rushkoff uses in the three passages contributes to the effectiveness of the passages in developing the argument Rushkoff is making.

2#: Supporting and Developing an Argument

This year you will be asked to support and develop observations using personal experience, observations, and study. Rushkoff supports and develops his arguments in each of these ways. Find a passage that shows Rushkoff supporting his argument using personal experience. Find another passage that shows Rushkoff supporting his argument using his direct observations of other people or phenomenon in our culture (TV, for example). Finally, find a third passage that shows Rushkoff using research to support his argument. Explain--with close attention to particular details and language choices--how the passage supports and develops Rushkoff's claims. Also, analyze the effectiveness of each passage in supporting a particular point (or points) that Rushkoff is making.

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Then, respond to this multi-part argument prompt.

(1) Write an accurate and complete summary of the argument Rushkoff presents in each section of the book. (This will probably take the form of five paragraphs--probably more than 300 words.) (2) Then explain how the five sections fit together to make a coherent overall argument. (This will be another paragraph. Remember grown-up, college-level expository paragraphs tend to be at least seven sentences long.) (3) Finally, quote some part of Rushkoff's argument that you disagree with. Write an argument essay (in which you develop and support your critique of the quotation. (The argument will be about 500 words or so. Don't waste words. Make sure your support is vivid and your explanations are sharp.)

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Set your responses up like this:

Your name

My name

Class

Date

Three Responses to Present Shock by Douglas Rushkoff

(1) Copy the rhetorical analysis prompt you are responding to here.

Put the passages you are responding to in here. Make sure you include the page numbers.

Write your (approximately 300 word) response here.

(2) Copy the second rhetorical analysis prompt you are responding to here.

Put the passages you are responding to in here. Make sure you include the page numbers.

Write your (approximately 300 word) response here.

(3) Copy the argument prompt here:

Then write your argument essay here.

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*If you cannot attend the session you must (1) send an email to Mr. James Cook with the reason you cannot attend, (2)  turn in your passage responses through email, and (3) read the description of the session posted on the blog (apenglangghs2015.blogspot.com) and write a response in the comment box.