About This Worksheet
Algorithm Choices is a grade 11 rhetorical analysis worksheet focused on evaluating how authors use anecdotes, statistics, and comparisons to strengthen an argument. It is a high school literacy resource designed to deepen students’ understanding of evidence types and persuasive strategy. The commentary, Curated by Code, explores how social media algorithms shape user experience. For example, the author begins with a personal anecdote about a single liked video transforming a feed, then shifts to survey data about teen exposure, and later compares modern platforms to traditional television scheduling. This layered structure invites students to assess how each evidence type contributes to persuasion.
Curriculum and Grade Alignment
This worksheet is designed for Grade 11 and emphasizes analyzing rhetorical techniques and evaluating the effectiveness of different types of evidence. The primary learning goal is to explain how anecdotes, statistics, and analogies function within an argument. Students should already understand identifying claims and supporting evidence before assessing rhetorical impact. This resource aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.8.
Student Tasks
Students analyze why the author begins with a personal anecdote and what effect it has. They evaluate how statistical evidence strengthens credibility and how comparison to earlier media clarifies the argument. Learners determine which example is most effective and identify where an additional type of evidence could improve the piece. Each response requires textual citation and evaluative reasoning.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions
Students may assume statistics are always stronger than anecdotes. Some learners might summarize examples without evaluating impact. Others may struggle to articulate how comparisons function rhetorically. Teachers can model analyzing how evidence types appeal to logic, emotion, or credibility.
Implementation Guidance
This worksheet works well in media literacy and rhetoric units. Teachers can extend the lesson by asking students to rewrite the introduction using a different evidence type. Class discussions can explore which persuasive strategies resonate most strongly.
Details and Features
The worksheet includes a commentary passage and five structured analysis questions. Prompts require evaluation rather than simple identification. The printable format supports detailed written responses.