Rhetorical

7.2A Essay: Rhetorical Analysis

Instructions

Your Task 1. Analyze a recent persuasive speech (within the past three years) utilizing each of

Aristotle’s three artistic proofs: logos, ethos, pathos. You can pull from different branches of government and/or occasions, and various issues. 

2. Identify the speaker, speech, and occasion.  3. Source all examples from the same speech to examine the interrelation between the modes of

proof.  4. Feel free to use any of the terms and concepts for each type of proof. 

◦ For instance, you could identify an enthymeme and/or a series of examples for logos.  ◦ You could also analyze intelligence, character, and/or goodwill as the primary method

of establishing ethos.  ◦ You could recognize the speaker’s evocation of any of the emotions as an example of

pathos.  5. For each concept, develop a clear thesis in one paragraph (three paragraphs total,

approximately one page each). 

Rhetorical Analysis Style 

• Aside from identifying the speaker, speech, and occasion, avoid introductory comments one would typically find in a full-length essay, for instance: “The lecture notes outline several types of artistic proof,” or “rhetoric is a multi-faceted part of our society.”  Simply begin with the first concept that applies to your example, such as: “The speaker used the following enthymeme as a means of creating logos.”  Then proceed to illustrate this artistic proof through brief quotations (1-2 sentences max. for each quotation) from the speech itself. 

• For each example, provide direct quotations that demonstrate that concept.  In other words, provide proof or evidence for your claim about the speaker’s method of persuasion. 

• Keep quotations 1-2 sentences maximum.  It’s better to follow each brief quotation with strong explanations in your own words than to simply string together a series of block quotations. The goal is to show your analytical skills.    

How to Complete an Essay Assignment This short essay assignment offers you a chance to make connections between your personal journey and the more specific journey we are taking together in this course.

Essay Instructions

• You should first follow the Essay Style Instructions found on each essay prompt. Different types of essays require different styles, so it is essential that you read the prompt carefully.

• Your essay should be 1-2 pages long, double-spaced. • Write your essay in Times New Roman, 12 points, with one inch margins. • Your name and the title of the essay should be at the top of the page, centered, in bold. • Do not make your name and the title a larger type than the rest of the essay.  • Make sure to follow the instructions for the assignment, but in general you should follow

MLA format throughout the essay.  • Save your essay in Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) format or in PDF.  • When you are finished, submit your essay to the correct folder in "Assignments" under

the assessment tab in the top navigation menu. 

Grading

• Essays will be graded using a rubric involving 5 categories: substance, engagement, structure, support, and clarity. 

• Essays should follow MLA format. If you are unfamiliar with MLA format, basic information about it can be found in the Purdue Online Writing Lab opens in new window.

• Essays will be screened for academic integrity using TurnItIn.

Catego ry 1 point

Substa nce The essay was sufficiently long and addressed the topics required by the assignment

Engage ment The essay fulfilled the specific writing instructions of the assignment

Structu re

The essay had a clear and appropriate structure, including an introduction, main points, and a conclusion

Suppor t

The essay contained proper support for its claims, whether in the form of specific examples or other types of evidence (in accordance with the specific instructions for the assignment)

Clarity The writing in the essay was clear, relevant, and easy to understand. MLA Format

One point will be deducted for failure to follow MLA style, except when superseded by specific assignment instructions.