11 Summer Reading Thank You For Arguing
11 Summer Reading Thank You For Arguing
Selection: Thank You For Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can
Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion by Jay Heinrichs
NOTE: make certain you get the new, 2013 edition.
Rationale: Thank You For Arguing will introduce you to the art of rhetoric and academic
arguments. Heinrichs has divided his informative yet entertaining book of
lessons into five sections (Introduction, Offense, Defense, Advanced Offense, &
Advanced Agreement). He also provides appendices which include a summary
of the main rhetorical tools and a glossary of rhetorical terms. More importantly,
this book will serve as an excellent bridge between the expository essay and
persuasion analysis of English 10 and the stylistic and argumentative analysis of
English 11.
Objectives: To read and respond to the Introduction, Offense, and Defense sections of the
book (Chapters 1-17).
Understand and outline the objectives and elements of argument.
Assignment: Reading: Obtain a copy of the book, or a copy can be checked out from the
school. Read the Introduction, Offense, and Defense sections in their entirety
(Chapters 1-17).
Sentence Two - How? - An explanation of how the author develops and supports the thesis.
____________________________ supports his/her _________________ by ______________________
(Author’s Last Name) (B) (C)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Three - Why? - A statement of the author’s apparent purpose, followed by an “in order to” phrase.
(The author’s purpose is to)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(D)
________________________________ in order to / so that ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sentence Four - To Whom? - A description of the intended audience and/or the relationship the author
establishes with the audience.
The author writes in a ______________________tone for ______________________________________
(E) (audience)
Student Example
Mrs. Teacher
English 10 – Period 1
11 August 2017
Introduction
Jay Heinrich in the Introduction to Thank You for Arguing “Open Your Eyes”, illustrates various
personal narratives as to how persuasion and rhetoric can control an argument. Heinrich supports his
position by stating that argument “lies behind political labeling, advertising, jargon, voices, gestures, and
guilt trips; it forms a real life Matrix, the supreme software that drives our social lives” (4). The author’s
purpose is to engage readers by walking his readers through a day in his life, by “attempt[ing] a whole
manipulation whatsoever…avoiding any type of argument or persuasion”(6) but he quickly learns how it
is impossible because it infuses every aspect of life. The author writes in an objective and reasonable
tone, one that convinces readers to learn about the values of rhetoric, and the true advantage of studying
B range (80-89%) – Essay answers predominantly critical and close reading, and
mostly thoughtful engagement and analysis. Some, although few, grammatical or
formatting errors may be present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.
C range (70-79%) – Essay answers indicate some critical and close reading and
analysis, although understanding of the text may be vague or superficial. Very few if
any grammatical or formatting errors are present. Academic voice. All directions are
followed.
D or F – (0-69%) These responses are not acceptable for high school level work. It
is unclear whether the book was read, or understood. Multiple errors in grammar,
voice and formatting may be present.
Due Date: The Rhetorical Précises are DUE in class (hard copy) and submission to turnitin.com
the third week of school: Thursday / Friday, August 10-11, 2017.
Your instructor may offer an incentive for submitting this assignment early.
Connections: Ongoing reference and instruction will be tied to these books throughout the year. IT
IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THE WORK IN ITS
ENTIRETY, AS ASSIGNED.
Questions? Please put “summer reading” in the subject line of your email.