Exercises — Week 1: Week 1 — Diagnostic: Reading Like a Writer
2 hands-on tasks. Do them in order; each one feeds the Canvas item it names.
45 min · written
1. Assertion Journal Entry 1
- Select one passage from any nonfiction text you respect — a speech, essay, editorial, or book chapter.
- Copy one sentence from it that makes a strong, debatable claim (this is your chosen assertion).
- Write 300–400 words defending or challenging that claim, drawing on at least one piece of evidence.
- In the final paragraph, acknowledge one objection to your position and address it.
Turn in / bring: Complete journal entry submitted per Mr. Gray's directions (due 2026-09-12).
20 min · analysis
2. Ethos, Pathos, Logos Hunt
- Find any two-paragraph nonfiction passage in a newspaper, magazine, or reputable website.
- Underline one example of ethos, one of pathos, and one of logos.
- Write one sentence for each explaining how the writer produces that appeal.
Turn in / bring: Annotated passage with three labeled examples and your explanations.