Original argument with rhetorical devices launch — applying 3+ devices and the device-pass routine

Choose your spring argument topic. Option A: revise/extend fall argument with rhetorical devices applied. Option B: start a new topic. Pair-share your choice.

• Affirm both choices are valid
• Press students who choose Option B to have a strong rationale (engagement is high; topic is genuinely arguable)
• Note: option A is faster start; option B is fresher engagement

Weeks 13-17 are your major spring writing arc: an ORIGINAL ARGUMENT with at least 3 NAMED RHETORICAL DEVICES applied. Look at MG-30 device decision tree. Where in your argument do you want which device? Common placements: PARALLELISM in intro thesis (preview of reasons) and body topic sentences (parallel claim structures). ANAPHORA in body paragraph 2 or 3 (accumulation of evidence). ASYNDETON at conclusion (compressed power). RHETORICAL QUESTION in intro hook OR before counterclaim (engagement). ANTITHESIS at conclusion (memorable closure). Today we PLAN — which 3+ devices, WHERE, and WHY for your audience. Tomorrow we draft. The DEVICE PASS is a self-revision step you do BEFORE peer revision — you re-read your draft asking 'where can I deploy a device for effect?' Self-revision catches what peer review can't.

• Plan WHERE each device goes. Don't sprinkle devices randomly — each placement serves the argument.

  model Intro hook: rhetorical question ('Can a uniform unify what fashion divides?'). Thesis: parallelism ('Uniforms unify, simplify, and dignify the school day.') = asyndetic tricolon stacked with parallelism. Body 1: anaphora ('We need uniforms that respect identity. We need uniforms that promote unity. We need uniforms that allow expression.'). Counterclaim concession: antithesis ('Not by erasing identity but by creating common ground...'). Conclusion: tricolon-asyndeton + antithesis combined.

  prompt Sample device-pass plan for school-uniforms argument.
• Devices are tools — purpose-driven placement is what makes them work.

  model Because rhetorical effect requires placement. A rhetorical question in the middle of an evidence paragraph confuses; in the intro it engages. An anaphora at the end of a conclusion lands; scattered across the essay it dilutes.

  prompt Why apply devices DELIBERATELY rather than 'naturally'?
• Each device has a SIGNATURE EFFECT. Match the effect to your moment.

  model 'Engage audience early' → rhetorical question. 'List 3 reasons memorably' → asyndetic tricolon. 'Build emotional accumulation' → anaphora. 'Highlight a sharp contrast' → antithesis.

  prompt Look at MG-30 decision tree. Match your purpose to a device.

• Cold Call: name a device + likely placement in your argument
• Pair-share: read your device-pass plan to elbow partner; partner names which device-placement they find strongest
• Thumbs: I have a device-pass plan (up) / I need conferring (down)

M-6-S-WR-13-A Chart

MG-30 decision tree poster as specified. Used as primary planning reference during device-pass.

MG-30 Diagram

Rhetorical-device decision tree: a flowchart helping students choose WHICH device to apply for WHICH effect. Start: 'What is the purpose of this passage?' Branch 1 'List of similar ideas → use PARALLELISM.' Branch 2 'Emphasis through repetition → use ANAPHORA.' Branch 3 'Speed/urgency in a list → use ASYNDETON.' Branch 4 'Engage audience to feel they answered → use RHETORICAL QUESTION.' Branch 5 'Highlight a sharp contrast → use ANTITHESIS.' Each terminal node references the relevant MG anchor (MG-3 to MG-7). Print-ready 11x17.

• Complete your device-pass worksheet: name 3-4 devices, name placement (intro/body 1/body 2/counterclaim/conclusion), justify each.

  scaffold Pre-filled template with placement boxes (intro/body 1/body 2/body 3/counterclaim/conclusion); MG-30 decision tree at desk
• If revising fall argument: re-read it with device-pass eye. Mark in 6 colors where each device could go. If new topic: complete MG-20 MPO planner from fall first.

  scaffold MG-20 planner from fall; 6-color highlighter kit
• Quick draft of intro hook + thesis with 1 device applied.

  scaffold Sentence frames for each device

• Name your 3-4 devices + placements. Submit device-pass plan.

• Restate: device-pass = self-revision before peer revision; placement matters
• Preview tomorrow's analogy completion + drafting

• Complete intro paragraph + body 1 of original argument with device-pass applied. Bring tomorrow.