Dissecting Guiding Questions

Example guiding questions Elements to annotate based on question and answer Make your own guiding question and underline which
in your thesis* elements should be in the annotations

How does the author use rhetoric to achieve their rhetorical devices, achieve their goals
goals?

Consider how the author uses narration to discuss narration → rhetoric + direct address
their childhood. childhood

What authorial choices have been made to discuss authorial choices →

positivity?

Which elements or authorial choices are present to

persuade people to donate to the good cause?

What does the author do to urge the audience to

accept the unknown?

This text uses visuals to inform the audience about the

melting ice caps. Discuss.

* Remember that you need to craft a thesis that answers the question, not one that just repeats the question.
Example: The author uses rhetorical devices to achieve their goals. → Bad thesis!
The poet develops an extended metaphor about boxes of chocolates to reveal the idea that life contains both sweet and bitter events and one never
knows what one will get. → Great thesis that answers the question!