Rhetorical analysis of text

Essay 2 – Prompt

Analyzing a Text

In this essay, you will analyze a text with the goal of showing what argument it makes and how it makes its argument. This means that you will illustrate, examine, and then critique how its author constructs his/her overall piece. Among the questions you will probe of another writer’s text are these:

· How does the author provide evidence?

· What types of organizational patterns does he/she use?

· How does he/she incorporate rhetorical strategies to help enhance his/her argument?

In a formal academic essay of approximately 4-5 pages (650-750 words), you will carry out the following tasks:

· Contextualize your analysis by accurately and effectively introducing the text, its purpose, and its argument.

· Identify 3 to 4 important or interesting claims (the ideas that help support the argument), and explain how these claims are supported by relevant examples/evidence.

· Identify 3 to 4 rhetorical strategies that the author uses and explain how these impact the overall argument.

· Examine how the author relies on ethos, pathos, and/or logos to persuade the audience.

· Assess the effectiveness of the text itself, based on the author’s overall goal, the intended audience, and the claims, evidence, and strategies used to persuade that audience.

Rhetorical Requirements:

Audience: Include necessary information for readers unfamiliar with the text you are discussing, and address that audience objectively as possible.

Evidence: Effectively use textual evidence to support your analysis of the text. Adequately introduce, correctly cite, and effectively comment on your quotes.

Structure: Construct a clear purpose statement that explains your overall intent to analyze the text. Use topic sentences that map out your organizational scheme. Use an effective structure that smoothly guides the reader from one idea to the next. Carefully transition from ideas, evidence, and comments throughout. Include an insightful and appropriate title as it pertains to the purpose of the paper.

Presentation: Demonstrate a strong command of the written language. Thoroughly edit your paper so that sentences are readable and appropriate for an academic audience. Polish grammar and sentence level errors so that they remain minimal to nonexistent. Use proper MLA formatting for your essay along with an accurate Works Cited page.

Which essays may you choose from to analyze?

· “Black Men and Public Space” by Brent Staples

· “Why I Will Never Apologize for My White Male Privilege” by Tal Fortgang

· Any of the assigned essays in the Norton Sampler

· John Oliver’s program on Police Militarization.

Writing Tools and Helpful (assigned) Reading:

· Norton Sampler, p. 498-503 (Documentation)

· Norton Sampler Chapter on Argument, 376-444

· “MyRhetorical Precis Form” / the way in which you succinctly identified the rhetorical strategies in one essay (Journal #3)

· All readings, handouts, and notes you have taken on rhetorical analysis.

Due Dates:

· Tues, 14 Oct: Draft #1; full draft due in hard copy in class, using assigned format for essays (see Syllabus for details)

· Thurs, 16 Oct: Final draft due by noon, Turnitin submission only.

Paper length / details: typed, printed, double-spaced, header in upper left, 3-4 pages (750 words; please put word count at bottom of final page)

Grade value: 20% of final grade