Persuasive Rant

ENGLISH EDITORIAL ACTIVITY

Persuasive Rant
Assignment Type: Standard

Rationale: A rant is a semi-angry (and often very sarcastic) spoken editorial whereby the speaker takes issue with something with which he/she doesnt agree or something he/she would like to see changed (policies, attitudes, rules, laws, choices, etc).

Often, a rant will appear in a news broadcast and is created in response to a topic which has meaning to the author. Think of the Rick Mercer Report and his weekly rants about politics and other Canadian oddities. Teen Suicide Snow Day

Persuasive Rants
Some characteristics of successful rants: They are usually written to encourage people (in government, in society, in a country) to make some sort of change OR to at least become aware of some injustice. They are very opinionated and one-sided, usually only addressing a narrow side of an issue. They tend to take an angry (and/or sometimes sarcastic) tone. They are very critical of the topic in question (again, think of Rex Murphy and Rick Mercer). Cuppa Woe They tend to be laced with rhetorical devices, attempting to urge the audience to agree with the writers opinions by appealing to logic and emotions.

Your Persuasive Rants:

Will be in the neighborhood of 200-250 words.

Will be read or spoken from memory (preferred) to

your peers from the podium or completed in Mercer style. Will last approximately two minutes. Will be assessed as an oral presentation. You must submit a copy of your rant before presenting. All students must be prepared to present on the due date.

Alternative Format: Video Rants

Students who wish to tackle the rant in Mercer

fashion may do so on film.

If this option is taken, we will simply show your film version. The advantage to this option for students is that they get to control the environment in which they present their rants. Another advantage is the access to editing software. Video rants should be error-free. MUN Rant like Rick 2011 Winner MUN Rant like Rick 2010 Winner MUN Rant like Rick 2009 Winner

Rant Assessment
Each of the following categories shall be assessed

on a scale of:
-Outstanding; -Strong; -Adequate; and -Weak:

Use of Rhetorical Devices (Need a reminder?) Enthusiasm Exploration of Topic Vocal Cues (pitch, volume, pauses, pace, clarity of voice, etc.) Gestures and Eye Contact

Due Wednesday, June 6.