Rhetorical Analysis

Topic:

For this essay, you will choose a controversial article from a newspaper to analyze.  Use the information from the modules to format your essay and paragraphs.

You may use an American newspaper or a newspaper from abroad.

Some questions to consider:

·      How is the argument presented?

·      What techniques are used to convince the reader?

·      Is the argument based on Logos, Pathos or Ethos? Does it use a combination of all three?

·      Are logical fallacies used?

·      What judgement can you make about the newspaper and audience by the techniques that are used? Are views liberal or conservative? Demographics?

Process and guidelines:

• ·      Read the article you have chosen carefully.


• ·      Think about the topic and create a working thesis. Your thesis statement should be the last sentence of the introduction.


• ·      Plan your body paragraphs by making an outline and deciding which examples/explanation you will use in each paragraph to support your topic sentences. Be sure to take examples from throughout the article. 


• ·      Be sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence. Use PEAR (See module on paragraph structure).


• ·      Plan your introduction and conclusion. Remember that beginnings and endings are very important.


• ·      DO NOT SUMMARIZE the article. Analyze the article instead.


• ·      Your essay should be 3-4 double spaced pages, roughly 500-750 words  (use MLA format).


• ·      Explain your ideas clearly; write well developed paragraphs; organize your ideas logically. Be sure to cover the requirements of the assignment.


• ·      Reread your essay and edit carefully to make sure that you have used conventional mechanics spelling, punctuation, and grammar.


• ·      Give your paper a creative title.


• ·      Be sure to correctly cite the article you have chose in your Works Cited page.