rhetorical analysis on thomas jefferson pdf

English 101

Fall 2017

Rhetorical Analysis

Rhetorical analysis: Your goal is to construct an account of an argument. An account is not the same as

a summary, although (some) summary is necessary in a critical academic analysis. Your paper should

show how the rhetor’s use of rhetorical strategies advances their argument among their intended

audience. Keep in mind, you are not agreeing or disagreeing with the author’s argument, rather you are

analyzing it to determine quality and effectiveness.

Successful papers will:

• Include an introduction that draws in the reader and signals a plan for the essay, as well as a

conclusion that gives a sense of completeness without redundancy.

• Write as though you are addressing an academic audience unfamiliar with the text.

• Write with smooth transitions and appropriately integrated quotations so the reader moves

easily from one idea to the next.

• Edit carefully for grammatical errors, misspelled words and typos.

Due

Essay 1: November 11th

Essay 2: November 25th

Rhetorical Analysis (Rubric)

Name: _______________________________________________

Your grade reflects your ability to: Strong Satisfactory Needs Imp.

Accurately and effectively introduce and contextualize the

author’s article, project, and argument in your introduction.

Clearly signal to your reader what you plan to discuss in your

paper and say how you’ll present/organize your analysis

Accurately describe and explain the author’s key claims and

their relationship to the overall argument. Demonstrate a

critical comprehension of the author’s argument and use of

key terms.

Critically discuss author’s use of evidence and strategies to

support her argument. Listing evidence is not a critical

discussion – the discussion must include how the evidence

supports a specific claim.

Effectively use textual evidence to support your analysis.

Adequately introduce, correctly cite, and effectively comment

on the sources.

Conclude your paper by presenting a thoughtful, persuasive

analysis of one of the following: a) the significance of the

argument, b) the effectiveness of the argument (a key strength

or weakness)

Use an effective structure that smoothly guides the reader

from one idea to the next. Your careful attention to

transitioning and topic sentences will be considered here.

Have thoroughly edited your paper so that sentences are

readable and appropriate for an academic audience. Adhere to

MLA format, grammar, and sentence structure.

Demonstrate a strong command of the written language.

Voice and style will be considered here.

Grade: ________