Created by Rebecca Frost
Biography:
Rebecca Frost attended Kalamazoo College for a BA in German Language and Literature and Michigan Technological University for a Masters in Rhetoric and Technical Communication and a PhD in Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture. She teaches 11th grade English and College Composition through NMU’s Northern Promise at L’Anse Area Schools. Rebecca has been at LAS since 2022 and previously taught at both MTU and KBOCC.
Title of Lesson: Rhetorical Analysis – “Anatomy of a Murder” Trial Opening Statements
Subject Area: English, especially AP or College Prep
Grade Level: 11th or 12th grade
NOTE: This real-life case involves discussions of murder, rape, and sanity, and includes gender ideals from the 1950s that might be unsettling for students.
Approximate Time to Do Lesson: 1 hour
Tags: ELA, 9-12, UP history, rhetoric, textual analysis, persuasive, point of view
Overview: In a court case, the speaker’s purpose and point of view are strictly determined. Each lawyer, one for the prosecution and one for the defense, is expected to work with the same evidence and tell two different stories: one of guilt and one of innocence.
Standards Addressed:
RI11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
RI11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term or terms over the course of a text (e.g., how Madison defines faction in Federalist No. 10).
RI11-12.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.
Modifications for Diverse Learning Needs: These model texts are short and can be read out loud so students can follow along as they listen. Time is provided for students to work in pairs or small groups before sharing with the class, allowing teachers to assign groups so that students can rely on each other’s strengths.
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify rhetorical phrases and strategies employed by prosecution and defense lawyers.
- Identify tone in two persuasive speeches.
- Analyze the effectiveness of two persuasive speeches.
Download the Lesson Plans and Support Files Below
- Voelker Files from UPLInk (document)
- Lesson 1: Rhetorical Analysis – “Anatomy of a Murder” Trial Opening Statements (document)
- Lesson 1: Prosecution Opening Statement (image)
- Lesson 1: Defense Opening Statement (image)
- Lesson 1: Discussion Guide - Rhetorical Analysis – “Anatomy of a Murder” Trial Opening Statements (document)
- Lesson 1: “Anatomy of a Murder” Trial Opening Statements (powerpoint)