HOW TO WRITE A
RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY
The purpose of a rhetorical analysis essay is an evaluation of an article, a series of articles, a speech or other literary works. The purpose is to study how authors influence readers by using their words. A rhetoric essay takes a nonfiction essay and splits it into parts. The analyst will identify the author’s purpose and tactics to prove their point.
Here is what a strong rhetorical analysis essay will do:
1. analysts identify the argument
2. discuss how the argument is presented
3. identify the purpose of the writing (the audience)
4. prove whether the author was successful in his/her persuasive techniques.
Let’s break down these four components.
1. Analyst will identify the argument: the nonfiction piece will undoubtedly be written to argue a point. Analyst should be familiar with background info on the piece and the author of the piece. Each piece should have an opposing viewpoint. The analyst should be aware of the opposing viewpoint.
2. Discuss how the argument is presented: Analyst should discuss how the author appeals to the audience, specifically through pathos, logos and ethos.
a. PATHOS: appeal to emotion
b. LOGOS: appeal to logic/reason
c. ETHOS: appeal to character/integrity/credibility
3. Identify for whom the piece was intended (audience) and why(purpose)
a. Examples of audience: parent organization, consumers, board of education, management, college professors
b. Example of purpose: approval, inspiration, informative, manipulate, political agenda
4. Analyze whether or not the author was successful in their persuasiveness. Evaluate the effectiveness of the author’s techniques.
Organizational Structure
Introductory paragraph: State the title of the essay; the author’s complete name; a
description of the author (qualifications?); the historical background for the article, if there is one; a very brief summary of the article; and the stated or implied purpose of the author.
Body Paragraph 1: Explain who the intended audience is. Possible questions to answer: How much knowledge might the audience have concerning this topic? Is the audience likely to agree or disagree with the author? Will readers of the work be likely to agree or disagree with each other? Does the author try to appeal to certain values the audience may hold, and what are those values?
Body Paragraph 2: What types of appeals does the author use (pathos, ethos, logos)? Does the author appeal to the audience by using emotional messages (pathos) or by conveying trustworthiness and authority (ethos)? This can include using reliable sources. Or does the author present facts and statistics (logos)? The author may use a combination of appeals. Provide specific examples from the work to support your remarks in this paragraph. (See Google Classroom)
Body Paragraph 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of the work. Analyze whether or not the author was effective in their techniques.
Concluding Paragraph: Re-assert the thesis statement and briefly summarize (without being too repetitive) the main points you have discussed.