This essay is over Firestein’s Tedtalk “The Pursuit of Ignorance”
(submitting to turnitin.com so it must be 100% original)
Your essay will include (1) a summary of the documentary
(approximately 150-250 words), and (2) a strong response in which you
will speak back to the TED Talk as a rhetorical critique. You should
envision your audience as
fellow students or instructors who have not seen the TED Talk and who might
want to use it as a resourceLength: 3-4 pages (900-1200 words), double-
spaced, in standard 12
point font.Introductory Paragraph
• Sets up the problem or topic as context for the introduction of your
chosen text.• Introduces your talk with the speaker’s name, title, context
(where
the video appeared), and speaker’s central claim or main idea.
• Concludes with a tension-filled thesis that sets up clear
expectations for the direction of your essay and give your reader a
sense of the points you want to develop and discuss. Your thesis
will express you judgment about the text in terms of rhetorical
strategies, success or problems, or possibly questions it has raised
in your mind. See pp. 119-120 for sample thesis statements.
NOTE: In this kind of essay it is possible to delay your thesis. See
how different writers have handled the thesis placement in sample
essays in Ch. 5.
Summary of the documentary (150-250 words)
• Retains the balance of the TED Talk (an objective way to explain
the lecture). Keeping to the order of events in the TED Talk will
help keep you organized.
• Distinguish the speaker’s viewpoints from your own (“Lindsay and
Martin believe the problem is…”). The summary does not include
your opinion.
• Includes at least one direct quotation, folded into your own
sentence. Don’t let direct quotations stand alone.
Response paragraphs supporting your thesis
• Relate to your thesis & organize your responsefor your reader.
• Address the speaker’s argument, main points, and/or ideas
• Relate logically to each other, easing your reader through your
ideas with transitions.
• Support your judgments with reasons and concrete evidence from
the TED Talk (examples/paraphrases/direct quotations) or your
own experience.
Conclusion
• Leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your stance
toward the TED Talk. Consider also pointing your reader toward
ideas beyond your own response to the TED Talk – for example, to
its application, implication, or importance, or how the
documentary contributes to the larger conversation surrounding
the topic.
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