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Directions:
1. Select TWO articles from The Onion to analyze (the first has been done as an example) 2. Identify the purpose and target of the satire 3. Find at least two satirical devices in each article (can be the same device) 4. Comment on how the use of the device(s) help the speaker achieve the intended purpose
Possible devices: exaggeration (hyperbole, stereotype, generalizations), understatement, irony/sarcasm, etc.
Then, complete the extension activity on the second page.
Title of article, target, purpose Device(s) and evidence So What? Create a statement that explains the effect of the device(s) on the author’s intended purpose
“Gifted, Passionate Student Hyperbole: “Continuing to challenge In this article, The Onion relies on the irony of being Really Stretching Limits of her intellectually is using up all of our frustrated by a gifted student to highlight how schools School’s Resources” staff’s time and a significant portion don’t always meet the mark in offering challenging and elevated classes and options to talented students. of our budget.” Sophie Moncrief’s skills are exaggerated, making her Purpose and Target - This article seem like a savant-type genius as opposed to the points out the ways that schools Irony: “Calling the sophomore’s typical AP student who wants to succeed in high fall short in reaching their best hunger for knowledge “out of school and beyond. While it’s expected that schools students. It targets schools that control,” officials at Pine Hills High would be frustrated with failing students, or students don’t focus on offering the best School confirmed Monday that gifted who don’t even show up, this article humorously points out that sometimes, the smartest and hardest working and highest curriculums and aims and highly passionate student Sophie kids can pose “problems” for teachers and to shed light on how this is a sad Moncrief, 16, is really stretching the administrators. truth for many public schools school’s resources to their breaking today. point.”
Title of article, target, purpose Device(s) and evidence So What? Create a statement that explains the effect of the device(s) on the author’s intended purpose High School Band Devices: Exagartion, when he talks The joke is that teachers often take long and unwanted Teacher Spends 85% about how he sets aside 25 minutes talks with students, and while most would agree that Of Rehearsal just for sneakers, you think well that school is often not enjoyable, we can all agree that Hammering In Dress nobody should spend that much time things like this only add to problems that students face Code For Holiday on that issue. as it just takes time away from things that could require Concert actual help. Target: Bands who focus on hammering dress code that is ultimately meaningless Purpose: to draw the joke of “he uses a weird amount of time to something that doesent matter”
Teammate Actually Shock: I don't really know if shock is Well I think the original point of the piece was to Trying To Do Homework During 30-Minute Period a device but that's exactly what it is illustrate that it's just not work is not going to get done Between School, Practice at the very end of it they talk about in that period, it does use the shock value of saying Purpose; nobody actually how how she actually did accomplish well it could hypothetically get done but I mean even in uses that time, so its a doing it. and while that's a fun idea the article she was facing a little bit of teasing from her joke let's be for real that's obviously not peers and at the end of the day you have to weigh the Target; schools who think going to happen facts. is it even worth it? they can rely on that 30 minutes as “real learning time”
Extension: Write an answer to the following request for advice. The tone of your reply should be critical and condescending. Express your attitude through details, images, and diction; do not be openly critical.
Dear Advice Person:
I like to go to school, but I hate homework. My parents and teachers say that I have to do my homework. But it takes way too much of my time. I would rather watch TV. Most of my friends hate homework, too. What should I do? -Struggling Student
