AP Lang Post Exam: What is satire?

Unit Objective: I can demonstrate my understanding of key techniques of satire in my analysis of the writing of others and in my own writing.

1. What is satire?

Terms to know:

• satire
• sarcasm
• sardonic
• parody
• mocking 
• lampoon
• epigram
• farce
• facetious
• self-deprecating
• tongue-in-cheek
• urbane

2. The Onion: The World's Finest News Source

http://www.theonion.com/article/socialites-without-borders-teach-rwandans-how-to-m-2793

Questions groups will consider:

1. What does the author assume about the attitudes of the audience in the piece?

2. What aspect of society is the author satirizing?

3. What is the goal or purpose of the satire?

4. What methods/techniques does the author employ to create the satire?

5. How effective are the author’s methods?

HW: Bring in a satirical cartoon/image and be ready to discuss what is being satirized and its purpose.