Overview: Rhetorical Appeals
Starting the process of Rhetorical Analysis can be tricky. Having the categories for analysis is the first step in looking at how a source is constructed. Think of this assignment as the next step in preparing to write your Essay 2: Rhetorical Analysis Essay.
Assignment Details
Earlier in this module, I provided you with a list of options for the rhetorical analysis essay, and you selected a source for the earlier assignment in this Unit (2.3 – Assignment: Using Sources). If you haven’t decided yet, review your options again: Rhetorical Analysis: Select Your Source.
Source selected: Duckworth, Angela Lee. “GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.” TED, uploaded by TED Talks Education, 2016, www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
- Submit a Microsoft Word document using the template provided. Remember to download and save the document to your computer before filling in the required pieces.
- Using the questions/categories on the template, complete a preliminary analysis of your selected source. While this assignment does not have to be written out in complete sentences, think of it as your notes for the next assignment and then the final essay; the more you put into this assignment, the easier it will be to complete the next two assignments in the Module.
Overview: Building Your Thesis, Outline, and Works Cited
Now that you have selected your source for the Rhetorical Analysis and completed some preliminary brainstorming, it’s time to start working on the structure of the essay. As with Essay 1, this is the point where you are asked to submit a working thesis and a preliminary outline. Also, for this essay, you will want to take the works cited provided on the Rhetorical Analysis: Select Your Source and include a work cited (on the same document but on its own page).
Assignment Details
The final draft of your essay in this unit will discuss how the use of rhetorical appeals determines the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the argument made by the author/speaker you chose to analyze. Did the author/speaker effectively or ineffectively deliver the article/speech? The answer to this question becomes the THESIS STATEMENT.
Outline your plan for proving your thesis statement (the effectiveness or the ineffectiveness of the author/speaker). Use some of the information you provided in Unit 2.3 – Assignment: A First Look at Rhetorical Analysis.
- Write a clear, concise thesis statement
- Using this TEMPLATE , develop a formal outline that includes topic sentences and outlined body paragraph content
- Fill in the parts of the template indicated.
- Include a Work Cited (on its own page) with the work cited entry for the source you selected. The work cited entry is the entire entry provided on the list of sources page, not just the web address. Copy the entry starting with the author’s last name and ending with the URL. Paste it to the last page of your document and format it correctly by starting the first line of the entry at the left margin and indenting the additional lines with a hanging indent.Links to an external site.
- As no other sources can be used for this essay, the page should be titled Work Cited (“Works” with an “s” indicates more than one entry).
- Revise and edit to ensure clear, concise writing
Examples
Here are some sample thesis statements to get you started:
- Harris effectively uses pathos, logos, and ethos to convince his audience to stop being jerks to themselves.
- Karim Abouelnaga effectively uses the three rhetorical styles to ensure the audience’s approval of his program designated to help kids improve their chances for a brighter future.
- Throughout the essay ‘Go Gentle into That Good Night,’ author Roger Ebert skillfully navigates themes of mortality, resilience, and the human experience through his reflections, literary allusions, and philosophical inquiry. He effectively employs pathos, ethos, and logos to engage the reader in a profound exploration of life’s inevitable conclusion.