Essay Assignment #1- Rhetorical Analysis

Essay Assignment #1: Rhetorical Analysis (4-5 pages)

 

For the first essay, we will focus on identifying rhetorical elements and their implication in text. You will analyze the rhetorical strategies in Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech. Your analysis will take the form of an argument in which you work to convince your audience (in this case, other MDC composition students and instructors), through the criteria below, that the writer (speaker) is either successful or unsuccessful in their use of rhetorical strategies. You also need to convince your audience that you have a good understanding of the speech, as well as the rhetorical terms and concepts it uses. Moreover, you will need to demonstrate that you are aware of the needs and values of the writer’s own audience(s)—especially their original audience.

 

This assignment does not ask you to write about whether you agree or disagree with the writer’s major claims or ideas. Instead, you are writing about how he creates his argument– is he able to persuade his audience that his claims are valid? Does he use enough evidence? Does he use certain appeals to connect with his audience? How? Quote directly from his speech to show us how he uses rhetorical strategies. If his strategies seem unsuccessful to you, then explain why and discuss what other rhetorical strategies might strengthen his argument.

 

Your paper should:

 

· Briefly summarize the writer’s major arguments and present his position in a fair and reasonable manner. Practice objectivity.

 

· Identify the writer’s rhetorical situation: Who is his audience? What is his social context? What is the particular situation that prompts the author to write? What is the purpose of his argument?

 

· Identify one or two kinds of issues being addressed in the essay.

 

· Identify, with examples, at least two of the following lines of argument or appeals within the author’s essay: arguments from the heart, arguments based on values, character, or facts and reason.

 

· Determine how his language, voice or style works to persuade his audience.

 

· Assess whether, taking your analysis of the above factors into account, the argument is ultimately persuasive to its intended audience. In other words, does the speaker accomplish his goals?

 

Length/Format: Your rhetorical analysis should be a minimum of 4-5 pages and include a Works Cited page in MLA format.

 

Criteria for Grading:

 

When I read your paper, I will look for:

 

· Sound argumentative structure including thesis, reasons, counter-arguments, and evidence– particularly a clear thesis that states the authors rhetorical strategies and takes a stand on whether these strategies are effective

 

· Good understanding of the author’s essay and the rhetorical terms and concepts it uses

 

· Clear organization including paragraph transitions, topic sentences and sentence structure

 

· Proper use of MLA documentation and effective quotation, paraphrase, and summary of the primary text

 

· Evidence of critical reading and analytical thought with the use of quotes as supporting evidence

 

· Attention to your audience with effective diction and tone

 

· Correct spelling and grammar