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What is the WPA?
Who needs to take it?
When does it need to be taken?
What happens if I don't take it?
So... how it is graded??
I got lower than "8 pts", I feel like I could do better...
The material will be Rhetorically based
(Google "Rhetorical strategies", it's very helpful)
WPA Prompt:
Craft a coherent essay (i.e. one that is not just a series of paragraph responses to the prompt) in which you respond (in an appropriate order) to all of the following components: identify and provide a brief summary of the author’s argument; describe and discuss two strategies that the author uses to support his or her argument; describe the overall structure of the reading selection and explain whether it furthers the aims of the author’s argument; discuss the premise(s) and/or assumption(s) on which the argument is based: evaluate the extent to which you find the argument convincing.
This essay is not an “agree or disagree” exercise, nor is it intended to generate an extensive summary of the article. Responses that emphasize personal opinion or summary will not earn a passing score.
Identify: Clearly label and provide examples of the strategies, structure, and assumptions used by the author.
Describe, Explain, Discuss: Thoroughly explain how the author is using this information to support his/her argument. Consider the author’s motivation for utilizing this particular piece of evidence; how did he/she think it would help to further convince the readers?
Evaluate: Consider the effectiveness of the devices used by the author: do these devices strengthen or weaken the argument? Why? Why not? Did this particular device help to convince the audience? Why? Why not?
120 minutes to read and write
15-20 minutes to read prompt and article
80-90 minutes to write your essay
15-20 minutes to edit and proofread
FOCUS - Does the essay address all aspects of the prompt?
ANALYSIS - Is your analysis of the author's argument reasonable, credible, and thorough?
ORGANIZATION - Does your idea "flow" from one sentence to anther? *don't read like a list
DEVELOPMENT - Details and specific examples?
SYNTAX, DICTION, and GRAMMAR - You may be less in control of these details in the days leading up the test. However, the FOCUS, ORGANIZATION, and DEVELOPMENT aspects of your essay ARE in your control.
Make sure to address the
entire prompt and you will
do fine!
http://rhetoric.sdsu.edu/
http://rhetoric.byu.edu/
http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/rhetoric.htm
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/04/
http://academic.luzerne.edu/microcomp/ENG101_MicroComp_RhetoricalStrategies.htm
Identify:
Briefly discuss how/why the author bases the argument on this premise. Does it strengthen the argument?
Analyze:
The effectiveness of this premise/assumption
- Would we find it valid/reasonable?
- Was it used appropriately? Why? Why not?