Essay 1: Rhetorical Analysis

Essay # 1:

Rhetorical Analysis

Topic:

For this essay, you will choose a controversial article from a newspaper to analyse. Use the information Part One of Everything Is An Argument to begin your analysis.

You may use an American newspaper or a newspaper from abroad.

Some questions to consider:

·       How is the argument presented?

·       What techniques are used to convince the reader?

·       Is the argument based on Logos, Pathos or Ethos? Does it use a combination of all three?

·       Are logical fallacies used?

·       What judgement can you make about the newspaper and audience by the techniques that are used? Are views liberal or conservative? Demographics?

Process and guidelines:

·       Read the article you have chosen carefully.

·       Think about the topic and create a working thesis. Your thesis statement should be the last sentence of the introduction.

·       Plan your body paragraphs by making an outline and deciding which examples/explanation you will use in each paragraph to support your topic sentences. Be sure to take examples from throughout the article. 

·       Be sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence.

·       Plan your introduction and conclusion. Remember that beginnings and endings are very important.

·       DO NOT SUMMARIZE the article. Analyze the article instead.

·       Your essay should be 3-4 double spaced pages (use MLA format).

·       Explain your ideas clearly; write well developed paragraphs; organize your ideas logically. Be sure to cover the requirements of the assignment.

·       Reread your essay and edit carefully to make sure that you have used conventional mechanics spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

·       Give your paper a creative title.

·       Be sure to include a link to or a copy  of the article that you have chosen.