The AP Language and Composition course consists of many examples of nonfiction prose, utilizing rhetorical strategies to strengthen the writing. By learning from these examples, students will be able to develop their own writing using those specific strategies. The main types of writing that will be analyzed are narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository. During the AP test, students will test their writing skills through rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis. This particular assignment relates to rhetorical analysis because of the rhetoric, context, and devices. In other words, writing this speech influences the intended audience to understand why the author writes with such raw emotion. Furthermore, providing extensive context allows the readers to be immersed in the writing. Finally, several rhetorical strategies are encapsulated in the writing and influence individuals to take action and carry out the purpose of the speech.
Our group wrote a speech memorializing Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist and anthropologist. Jane Goodall died of natural causes on October 1, 2025. Her studies relating to chimpanzees transformed our understanding of primates and advocacy for the lives of animals. Our group consisted of all girls: Aubrey Harris, Kateyn Foley, and Hailey Roy. This particular topic resonated with us because Jane Goodall enhanced women’s rights with her immense bravery in a male-dominated field. As women, we notice how girls are constantly undermined in society because of their gender. With Jane’s findings, it inspires young girls, like us, to not be afraid to take your particular passion to the next level. Furthermore, we are all animal lovers. Jane has shown all of us that animals deserve just as much attention and care as humans.
We chose to present the speech from the point of view of Jane’s sister, Judith Goodall. Being her sister, it creates a personal connection within the speech. It allows for readers to empathize with Judith and her loss. With the gained sympathy from the audience, we hoped that the young leaders of the world will carry on Jane’s legacy of following her passion and caring for animals.
1. Good morning, I am Judith Goodall, proud sister of Jane Goodall. Most of you may have known her as the woman who lived among the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream, who showed us the heartbeat of the wild. More specifically, she was a pioneer in primatology, a protector of wildlife, and a tireless voice for environmental conservation. Unfortunately, my dear sister passed peacefully on October 1st. Working with Louis Leakey in Africa greatly inspired her to continue her passion to observe chimpanzees. In 1960, she established a camp in the Gombe Stream Game Reserve to study them and their behavior. Today, we are at the same place Jane was when her studies first started. Her work has touched not only the field of science, but also the hearts of people all over the world, breaking scientific barriers.
2. But she did not always start out successful. In the first months of her work in Tanzania, she would tell me how frightened these chimpanzees were and how they would constantly run away from her. Here she was, a young 26-year-old girl, trying to interact with big chimpanzees, and instead of her being scared of them, they were terrified of her. This led to immense frustration and built-up annoyance. But she never let that stop her. I will always look up to Jane in that sense.
3. My sister shared how she had to adjust to different environmental conditions. Jane explained how thrilled she was to observe her first group of chimpanzees. She told me that when she first spotted the chimps and tried to get a closer look, the leaves kept obscuring her view. Although Jane constantly faced struggles, she continued to patiently wait and give herself time to adjust. Jane eventually came up with a solution: she used a spotting scope so she could observe the chimps from far away. This allowed her to continue her studies before being able to actually interact with the chimpanzees. As you can see, Jane truly believed that “good things come to those who wait.”
4. Not only did Jane look after chimpanzees, but she also cared about passionate young leaders in the world, specifically the inspired young females in the crowd. When Jane started her work in Tanzania, she was seen as “just a girl” because she was in a male-dominated field at the time. Even with all the discrimination faced, Jane continued her passion. She knew all her hard work was worth it every time a young girl told her, “If you can do it, then I can do it too.” Although her death brings great sorrow to individuals who knew of her, I know my sister would have wanted us to continue her legacy.
5. In addition, I would like to take time to thank those who worked alongside Jane. She cherished the time and effort that other people put into the work she cared so deeply about.
6. Overall, Jane wanted to share her findings with the world and exhibit the effectiveness of her studies. Jane was determined to continue her passion for studying chimpanzees even when she was faced with challenges. Her teachings helped further prove Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. She revealed the similarities between the personalities of chimpanzees and humans. There was nothing more Jane cared for than her studies of chimpanzees and her family. A certain verse from the Bible described my sister perfectly: “He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and he was with the wild animals; and the angels waited on him” (Mark 1:13). This perfectly encapsulates Jane as a person because we are here at the very same place where Jane spent six months studying chimpanzees earlier in her lifetime. She has continued to come ever since, and she has spent around 55 years working in this very place.
7. Jane, my loving sister, being your younger sister was the best thing that ever happened to me. I looked up to you all of my life, and I cherished every minute you were here with us. Although I do not have the same attachment to chimpanzees as you did, I have noticed how important it was to you. My dear Jane, you will be missed every day, but I will continue to carry out your legacy, and hopefully everyone else will too.
8. Above all, Jane hoped her findings remind others that when you follow your passion, you can truly make the world a better place. We can make a positive change in society by being proactive and persistent. Whether you want to follow in her footsteps and promote conservation or follow alternate career paths, such as being a doctor or a writer, make sure to never give up along your journey. With this, I leave you with the hope that you go out into the world, you spread kindness, and you care for animals. Like Jane, persevere, encourage, inspire. Remember, “each and every one of you has a role to play.” All of Jane’s efforts cannot go to waste, so we need to take the initiative to carry out her studies. Thank you.
