For this assignment, you will choose one “text” that employs rhetoric in order to make an argument. What is a “text”? For our purposes, let’s consider both traditional texts (i.e., articles, editorials, essays, speeches, manifestos, biblical passages, etc.) and non-traditional texts (i.e., podcasts, Ted Talks, sermons, infographics, webpages, memes, etc.). My reasoning behind broadening the field for potential analyses is simple: I want you to write about a rhetorical situation that feels relevant, interesting, and timely–on a personal level.
The overall goal for this essay is to analyze how an author is using rhetoric to support his/her argument and to persuade his/her audience. You’ll notice that the essay begins with summarizing and ends with evaluating, which means the “heart” of this assignment is clear, perceptive, and well-supported analysis.
Proposed Outline:
● Introduction Paragraph – Identify the basic argument of the text and highlight any relevant context (5 W’s).
● Body Paragraphs – Analyze an effective rhetorical strategy being used to persuade the audience. Either quote or paraphrase from the text. Remember to start with observation. Tell me what the rhetorical technique in view is, then transition into analysis by telling me how the technique functions in the larger argument and/or affects the audience.
● Body Paragraphs – Criticize any rhetorical weaknesses in the argument. This includes omissions, misrepresentations, a failure to address counterarguments, significant blows to ethos, imbalances (overall or on specific issues), structural defects, and, of course, logical fallacies. Explain how these weaknesses undermine their specific position in the text and the author’s larger argument.
● Conclusion Paragraph – Evaluate the text’s overall rhetorical effectiveness in light of Aristotle’s ideal. In what ways was it effective? In what ways did it fail? Is it particularly persuasive for
certain demographics? Avoid simplistic “good vs. bad” assessments. Attempt to offer a fair, nuanced review of the text’s various strengths and weaknesses.
