Essay 2 Rhetorical Analysis Prompt

We’ve practiced using rhetoric so far in this class by creating an argument: now is the time to take note of how others use rhetoric in their creative works.

Analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. For the process of this assignment, you will be taking another persons argument and breaking it down and looking at how it works.

· You will find an article about your subject and perform a rhetorical analysis on the article.

· The rhetorical analysis is typically an evaluative argument that judges the effectiveness or significance of an argument based on the author’s use, misuse, or neglect of particular rhetorical strategies. 

· The purpose is to get you to look at composition of argument from the writer’s point of view. 

· This essay has a fairly formulaic structure.  The introduction should explain the premise of the text you are evaluating, and end with a thesis containing three parts: what argument is the narrative/film making, is it effective, and what specific (3-4) strategies most help or hurt the argument.  The strategies can be rhetorical (ethos, pathos, logos), audience appeal, style, organization, etc.

· Each of the strategies you chose should be analyzed in a separate body paragraph, demonstrating how it is used (with specific examples) and how this helps or hurts the larger argument.

Requirements:

· 4 pages in length, roughly 1200 words

· MLA format (12 point font, Times New Roman, double spaced, 1-inch margins) and submitted on the Moodle page correctly.

· Clear analysis of rhetorical devises

A good paper will have:

· Focus: The essay focuses on the elements of rhetoric within a pop culture piece

· Organization: the paper follows a logical plan is signaled by highly effective transitions; the reader encounters no confusion.

· Awareness of audience: the essay is interesting and relevant to the reader.

· Development: The essay uses appropriate analysis of rhetorical devices; the ideas presented are not simple, but look at deeper meanings

· Correctness: there are no major mechanical errors (e.g., agreement) and only a few minor errors (e.g., spelling).         

· Revision: It’s evident that effort has been put into the revision.