aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	AP Language and composition
Quantity	1
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Engaging Students in AP Language and Composition

Lesson Hook: "The Power of Persuasion"

Objective:

To intrigue students and provoke critical thinking about persuasive techniques in writing and speech.

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Introduction

Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and projecting a short, impactful video clip of a well-known political speech or an advertisement. Choose a clip that exemplifies strong rhetorical strategies, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" or a memorable Super Bowl commercial.

Activity: Reaction Round

1. Viewing: Let the students watch the video without any prior context or discussion.

2. Immediate Reaction: After viewing, ask students to write down their initial reactions on a sticky note. Prompts could include:

   • How did the video make you feel?
   • What techniques do you think the speaker used to grab your attention?
   • Did you find the message persuasive? Why or why not?

3. Group Discussion:

   • Organize students into small groups and have them share their sticky notes. Encourage them to discuss:
     • How they interpreted the message.
     • Any emotional connections they felt.
     • The effectiveness of the rhetorical strategies used.

Bridging to Lesson Content

After the small group discussions, bring the class back together and ask for volunteers to share notable points from their discussions.

Transition:

• “What we just experienced serves as a perfect entry point into our exploration of rhetoric in AP Language and Composition. Today, we will dissect various rhetorical techniques and evaluate their effectiveness in both spoken and written forms. Let’s dive into how language can compel, persuade, and inspire!”

Conclusion

This engaging start sets a lively tone for the lesson while connecting students to the essential concepts of rhetoric, paving the way for deeper exploration of persuasive techniques in their own writing.