Name:_____________________________________________ Date:____________________ AP LANG 12

This task is crucial because it combines your ability to analyze and synthesize in the same essay.
For this essay, you will: compare and contrast the views and purposes of MLK Jr. in
Letter from Birmingham Jail, Malcolm X in The Ballot or the Bullet, and one of the
members of the Dinner Party. Discuss how the authors use rhetoric to convince the
audience of their belief. Within your response, explain which viewpoint you most
agree with. Only use first person for anecdotal purposes!
MLKs Viewpoint:
Significant lines to support his viewpoint:
4. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
6. _____________________________________________________________

Related Rhetorical
Strategy:
4. __________________
5. __________________
6. __________________

_____________________________________________________________

Malcolm Xs Viewpoint:

Significant lines to support his viewpoint:

1. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Related Rhetorical
Strategy:
1. __________________
2. __________________
3. __________________

Name:_____________________________________________ Date:____________________ AP LANG 12

Third Selection- NAME: ____________________________________
VIEWPOINT:

Significant lines to support his viewpoint:

7. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
8. _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
9. _____________________________________________________________

Related Rhetorical
Strategy:
7. __________________
8. __________________
9. __________________

_____________________________________________________________

Sample Essay Structure and necessary information:

1. Introduction with thesis about texts and civil disobedience
a. Ex: Civil Disobedience can be a hard term to define, as people have a great deal of
opinions regarding how to respond to unfair laws or injustices. Martin Luther King,
Jr., Malcolm X, and Howard Zinn all have interesting viewpoints and suggestions for
facing civil disobedience, and rely heavily on rhetoric to ensure their voices are
heard
2. Body Paragraphs:
a. MLKs viewpoint and rhetoric
a. Similarities and viewpoints in
b. Malcolm Xs viewpoint and rhetoric
c. Zinns viewpoint and rhetoric
Martin Luther King, Malcolm X,
d. Similarities and differences
and Zinn
e. Statement about your belief (be careful with first person)
b. Rhetoric used in all three texts
3. Conclusion:
(compare/Contrast
a. With the viewpoints and definitions of civil disobedience
being so scattered
among
c. Statement
about beliefs
citizens, it may be hard to justify what is the right approach when faced with
injustice. However, one belief that all three speakers agreed upon is that injustice is
unacceptable and imposes on citizens natural-born rights. Thus, it is agreeable
that something should done to fight such injustices, but these approaches should
aim to help elevate all citizens, and not incur more suffering on anyones behalf.
Rhetoric alone is a strong tool, and when used effectively, can evoke change!

Name:_____________________________________________ Date:____________________ AP LANG 12

RUBRIC
The essay will be graded against the AP Language rubric, but must additionally include the
following to receive a 9:
1. Minimal grammatical/syntactical errors
2. Clear, solid thesis (includes texts, overall focus, and acknowledgment of rhetorical
strategies)
3. Avoids naming the rhetorical strategies (instead of he uses ethos, uses he establishes
his credibility.
4. Discusses the specific viewpoints of each of the three authors, incorporating textual
evidence as support
5. Compares and Contrasts the viewpoints of the three authors
6. Discusses the specific rhetorical strategies used by the authors to evoke change (all texts
are speeches or written commentary)
7. Includes commentary about personal beliefs regarding civil disobedience (first person is
only used for anecdotal purposes)
8. Conclusion: answers the so what about civil disobedience and the beliefs of the
viewpoint
9. Is written legibly
10.Demonstrates full understanding of the rhetoric and arguments made
11.Is written clearly and cohesively with strong voice