Download Save a Book Campaign Part I Write an essay/speech in defense of a

Save a Book Campaign
Part I
Write an essay/speech in defense of a challenged book.
You learned where to obtain information about books that have been challenged, restricted, or
even banned in some schools, districts, and communities. Just as Todd’s Tobin’s English teacher
alerted her students of the threat to books within their community, we are reminded each year of
the attacks on some books. Your challenge in this persuasive essay is to convince a specific
opposing audience of the value of your book.
Step 1
Choose a book identified as a “controversial books” and consequently challenged in the last decade (see
ALA list shown in media center). Be sure the book is one about which you know a bit and also one you
have read or plan to read.
1. Obtain a copy of this book.
2. Research when, where, and why it was challenged.
3. Organize the reasons and/or specific examples of complaint
Step 2
Plan an attack, offensive and defensive in nature. Confront the opposition, but defend your book.
1. Outline a counter argument for each of the challenges
a. Yes, there some parts of the book are offensive; however, this “offensive” material --b. Although the book contains some violence, the majority of the book’s plot promotes
nonviolence…
2. Gather examples or cite passages from the book in question to support your position.
3. Make sure you remember your audience and purpose when planning.
Step 3
Begin writing. The pen is mightier than the sword.
1. Create an introduction using ANT (attention grabber, necessary information or background, and
thesis statement).
2. Use your outline to write your rough draft. While you may be very passionate about your book,
you need to temper the tone for appropriate audiences.
3. Review your introduction, examine your draft, and consider your purpose. Now write your
conclusion paragraph. Make it count. Save that book!
4. Peer edit with your new triad group.
5. Revise before editing.
6. Self-evaluate using rubric before typing and submitting with rubric.
Persuasive Essay: Personally, Powerful Persuasive Punches
CATEGORY
Attention Grabber
10 points possible
Position or Thesis
Statement
4 - Above Standards
3 - Meets Standards
2 - Nearing Standards
1 - Below Standards
The introductory
paragraph has a strong
hook or attention
grabber that is
appropriate for the
audience.
The introductory
paragraph has a hook or
attention grabber, but it
is weak, rambling or
inappropriate for the
audience.
The author has an interesting
introductory paragraph but
the connection to the topic is
not clear.
The introductory
paragraph is not
interesting AND is not
relevant to the topic.
The position or thesis
statement names the
topic of the essay and
outlines the main points
to be discussed.
The position or thesis
statement names the
topic of the essay.
The position or thesis
statement outlines some or
all of the main points to be
discussed but does not name
the topic.
The position or thesis
statement does not name
the topic AND does not
preview what will be
discussed.
All of the evidence and
examples are specific,
relevant and
explanations are given
that show how each
piece of evidence
supports the author's
position. Uses 3 or more
sources
Most of the evidence
and examples are
specific, relevant and
explanations are given
that show how each
piece of evidence
supports the author's
position. Uses only 2
sources.
At least one of the pieces of
evidence and examples is
relevant and has an
explanation that shows how
that piece of evidence
supports the author's
position. Uses only one
source.
Evidence and examples
are NOT relevant
AND/OR are not
explained. Uses no
specific source.
The conclusion is strong
and leaves the reader
solidly understanding
the writer's position.
Effective restatement of
the position statement
begins the closing
paragraph.
The conclusion is
recognizable. The
author's position is
restated within the first
two sentences of the
closing paragraph.
The author's position is
restated within the closing
paragraph, but not near the
beginning.
There is no conclusion the paper just ends.
Author makes no errors
in grammar or spelling
that distract the reader
from the content.
Author makes 2-3 errors
in grammar or spelling
that distract the reader
Author exceeds 4 errors.
from the content.
Errors distract readers.
10 points possible
Evidence and
Examples
50 points possible
Closing paragraph
10 points possible
GUMPS (Grammar,
Usage, Mechanics,
Punctuation, &
Spelling)
20 points possible
Author exceeds 6 errors.
Errors impair writing
and distract readers.
Score
Part II
Using Propaganda
Just as advertisers, use propaganda to convince consumers to purchase a product, you are to choose 4 of the 7
techniques to create visual advertisements to persuade readers to purchase and/or save your book. You must
utilize these techniques in such a way that you can persuade an audience to read and/or save your book.
Bandwagon:
Bandwagon is one of the most common techniques in both wartime and peacetime and plays an important part in
modern advertising. Bandwagon is also one of the seven main propaganda techniques identified by the Institute for
Propaganda Analysis in 1938. Bandwagon is an appeal to the subject to follow the crowd, to join in because others
are doing so as well. Bandwagon propaganda is, essentially, trying to convince the subject that one side is the
winning side, because more people have joined it.
Card stacking:
Card stacking, or selective omission, is one of the seven techniques identified by the IPA, or Institute for
Propaganda Analysis. It involves only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting
information contrary to it. Card stacking is used in almost all forms of propaganda, and is extremely effective in
convincing the public. Although the majority of information presented by the card stacking approach is true, it is
dangerous because it omits important information.
Glittering Generalities:
Glittering generalities was one of the seven main propaganda techniques identified by the Institute for Propaganda
Analysis in 1938. It also occurs very often in politics and political propaganda. Glittering generalities are words that
have different positive meaning for individual subjects, but are linked to highly valued concepts. When these words
are used, they demand approval without thinking, simply because such an important concept is involved. Words
often used as glittering generalities are honor, glory, love of country, and especially in the United States, freedom.
Plain Folks:
The plain folks propaganda technique was another of the seven main techniques identified by the IPA, or Institute
for Propaganda Analysis. The plain folks device is an attempt by the propagandist to convince the public that his
views reflect those of the common person and that they are also working for the benefit of the common person. The
propagandist will often attempt to use the accent of a specific audience as well as using specific idioms or jokes.
Testimonials:
Testimonials are another of the seven main forms of propaganda identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis.
Testimonials are quotations or endorsements, in or out of context, which attempt to connect a famous or respectable
person with a product or item. Testimonials are very closely connected to the transfer technique, in that an attempt is
made to connect an agreeable person to another item. Testimonials are often used in advertising and political
campaigns.
Transfer:
Transfer is another of the seven main propaganda terms first used by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1938.
Transfer is often used in politics and during wartime. It is an attempt to make the subject view a certain item in the
same way as they view another item, to link the two in the subjects mind. Although this technique is often used to
transfer negative feelings for one object to another, it can also be used in positive ways. By linking an item to
something the subject respects or enjoys, positive feelings can be generated for it. However, in politics, transfer is
most often used to transfer blame or bad feelings from one politician to another of his friends or party members, or
even to the party itself.
Leff’s sample 2010-11
Please Don’t Kill a Mockingbird
Ironically, one of the books most frequently challenged is one of the most beloved books
throughout the world, ranked second in global polls, just after the Bible, as the most influential book ever
read. Fifty years ago even its author would not have expected this book to have garnered any awards,
received any attention, or remained in print. However, today, this Pulitzer Prize winning novel has
become an American classic translated into over 40 languages and selling over 30 million copies. To Kill
a Mockingbird was voted the "Best Novel of the 20th century" and is ranked fifth on the Modern
Library's Reader's List of the 100 Best Novels in the English language since 1900 (Kahn). Yet for all its
accolades and despite all of its legions of fans, To Kill a Mockingbird continues to receive its share of
attacks and threats. In the last decade, The American Library Association reported that this book ranks 21
on the top 100 most frequently challenged books (“Banned”). Just as the main character admonishes his
children about the dangerous possibilities of guns harming vulnerable and innocent targets, I believe that
it would be a sin To Kill a Mockingbird.
Most of the people who suggest banning this book protest that the book showcases racism and
contains racial slurs specifically the most heinous of words known immediately by its single first “n”
letter. Ironically, few books can expose the injustices of racism in such a significant way to motivate all
people to oppose and combat its dangers (“Banned Book”). In fact, the novel’s protagonist, Atticus Finch,
has so inspired members in the legal profession that the Alabama State Bar awarded Harper Lee, the
novel’s author, with an honorary membership for her enduring creation of an exemplary model of a legal
champion for justice. Critics who focus on the use of derogatory phrases or words overlook the true
character and values of the book. Although Maycomb is a fictional 1930’s community, this town reflects
the paradoxical best worst features of small town life. The strength of the protagonist of this town is that
he guides his children (as well as the readers) through events while helping them to develop a sense of
compassion and courage that empowers them to fight against injustice even when the battle may be lost.
The story’s plot often offends because it does revolve around an alleged rape and includes
stereotypes. However, the reaction of the town’s leaders reveals a pursuit of justice. From the time of the
accusation, the local sheriff accepts the responsibility of providing protection of the accused. Similarly,
the town’s judge appoints the most capable, experienced, and fair lawyer in the town, the lawyer above
reproach, respected universally. A potential lynch mob attack is defused by a small child’s innocence.
Although the plot is not resolved with a happily-ever-after ending, To Kill a Mockingbird showcases the
strength and unity of an African American community as well as the graduals shifts within the white
community. Racial injustice is defeated by individual shifts, one at a time.
Although many books promote compassion, tolerance, and empathy, few books allow readers to
walk in someone else’s shoes so naturally as To Kill a Mockingbird. Since the book unfolds from a
child’s flashback to a memorable summer, readers witness events from a child’s innocent perspective, at
times confused and comical. Like many childhood memories, the memories connect a series of events and
a chain of people. Not all of the individuals are admirable. Perhaps, one of the most unlikeable people in
the community is an elderly woman whose racist remarks splinter the innocence of the children.
However, the lessons learned from this unlikeable woman resonate with these children to the point that
the children begin to regard their other more reclusive neighbor more fairly. Fear and curiosity are
replaced with wonder and appreciation. When one mockingbird dies, another mockingbird is spared and
protected by the family.
Critics can find danger in any book, even a child’s book. Like one of the characters from the
novel explains to the young narrator, “The Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in
the hand of [another]’. To Kill a Mockingbird sings the tune of compassion, courage, tolerance, and
justice so well that President George W. Bush awarded its author, Harper Lee the Presidential Medal of
Freedom because her novel has “. . . influenced the character of our country for the better. It’s been a gift
to the entire world. As a model of good writing and humane sensibility, this book will be read and studied
forever” (“Importance”). It would be a sin to silence the songs of such a book.
Works Cited
"50 Years Later, 'Mockingbird' Remains Relevant." Weekend Edition Saturday 10 July
2010. Literature Resource Center. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
“Banned and/or Challenged Books from the Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the
20th Century.” American Library Association. 2012. Web. 12 October 2012.
“Banned Book Awareness: To Kill a Mockingbird.” Wolf Baldassarro. Deep Forest
Productions World Edu. 30 July 2012. Web. 12 October 2012.
Flynt, Wayne. "The enduring legacy of To Kill a Mockingbird: universal values: a half century
after its first publication, Harper Lee's only novel continues to shape character and touch
lives the world over." Alabama Heritage 97 (2010): 6+. Literature Resource Center.
Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
Geoghegan, Tom. BBC News Magazine. 15 June 2010. Web. 15 October 2012.
"The Importance of to Kill a Mockingbird." To Kill a Mockingbird: Threatening Boundaries.
Claudia Durst Johnson. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1994. 13-19. Twayne's
Masterwork Studies 139. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 14 Oct. 2012.
Kahn, Urmee. “To Kill a Mockingbird Voted Greatest Novel of All Time.” The Telegraph. Media Group
Limited 2012. 16 June 2008. Web. 15 October 2012.
Don’t be left behind. Graduate with honors by reading
To Kill a Mockingbird, the book chosen by the class.
Bandwagon
Testimonials
June 29, 2010
Oprah on
To Kill a Mockingbird's 50th
anniversary
"I remember reading this book and
then going to class and not being
able to shut up about it. I read it in
eighth or ninth grade, and I was
trying to push the book off on other
kids. So it makes sense to me that
now I have a book club, because I
have been doing that since probably
this book."
Dare to Read ----
Banned books
Forbidden
Fan favorite
Inspirational!
Modern
Classic
Glittering
generalities
Save a Book Campaign
Part III
Prepare and Deliver a Speech
Delivering a 3 to 5 minute speech
You will need to modify your essay for a classroom
audience of your peers.
You must include at least one passage form your book in
your speech.