TASK: In a one-paragraph response, analyze how Sojourner Truth uses one rhetorical device to shape, or develop, her argument in her speech “Ain’t I a Woman.” Follow the steps in the “Short Response Writing” Slide. Complete the Quick Check activities and then write your short response on page 2 of this document.

Short Response Writing: You can remember how to write a short response using the ABCD Format: For short answer response questions, it is important to first clearly state your thesis, or Answer. Next, provide relevant Background details about the text you are analyzing. Then Cite evidence to support your thesis. Lastly, Discuss and Explain the importance of this evidence and how it proves your answer.

A – ANSWER: Restate the question into a statement and give a straightforward answer. You must clearly express your argument, claim, or position on the question.
Avoid the following words or phrases in your conclusion: “I think/believe,” ”maybe,” or “probably.”
B – BACKGROUND: Briefly introduce relevant details about the text. Also, consider any important details about the speaker or the occasion. Do NOT summarize the entire text. Rather, focus on the main connections or parts of the text you analyzed in order to draw your conclusion.
Sentence Starters: Over the course of the speech... OR In the speech.. OR The speaker...
C - CITE EVIDENCE: Use relevant textual evidence which supports your thesis (Answer). Your evidence should include the writing strategy you are analyzing and prove how you reached your answer.
Sentence Starters: According to the text, “(QUOTE).” OR The author states, “(QUOTE).”
D – DISCUSS & EXPLAIN FURTHER: Clarify and elaborate on how your evidence supports your answer. First focus on what the evidence means, or reveals, but more importantly, why it matters. Discuss how and why the evidence is significant to proving your conclusion.
Sentence Starters: This example of (writing strategy) demonstrates… OR This example of (writing strategy) reveals how… OR The author is suggesting… OR This is significant because…