evaluate the effectiveness of a text by an author

The purpose of this Out-Of-Class Essay to see how well you can valuate the
effectiveness of a text by an author other than yourself. The text I have chosen is

Frederick Douglass “The Hypocrisy of American Slavery” (1852)

What You Must Do First
Select a speech (or written text) and print out a copy of this document. Be certain to
address the following points of inquiry.
1. What kind of a text is this?
2. Why is the author’s purpose?
3. Why is it appearing at this point in time?
4. Who is listening?
S. Who is not listening?
6. Is the audience with or against the speaker?
What You Must Do After The Basics Are Presented
The first six questions will get you started. However, you will not get very far unless you
isolate details and then cxamine these details,
1. How does the spcaker interpret specific facts?
2.
Docs he or she surprise you?
3.
Do you support the speaker or question the speaker?
4
Docs the author contradict himself (or herself)?
5.
Is the text clear?
Is something left out that needs to be included?
7. Is your stance changing during the address?
8.
What image is the spcaker striving for?
9. Does he or she get there (and create this image)?
10. Is the spcaker’s timing or choice of words effective?
A Question Of Style
The next step the one that will give you an opportunity to really distinguish yourself –
is to evaluate the overall picture. Is the spcaker successful and (if so) why do you come
to this conclusion? Does the author back up his or her claims with support (Toumlin
Argumentation)? Docs the author compromise or build empathy with the audience
(Rogerian Argumentation)? Is the author clear in his or her reasoning or does he rely on
motion or expertise to get his point across (Aristotelian Argumentation) and if so which
of the three approaches is being implemented?

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