Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Once you have read Chapter 6 (Reading to Understand, Engage and Respond) in Let’s Talk . . . choose a reading that appeals to you for the Rhetorical Analysis.

Purpose of the Essay

The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to show that you understand:

• The authors purpose
• The intended audience
• The rhetorical strategies used (for example: ethos, pathos, logos, tone, diction, organization)
• Whether those strategies are effective for the audience and purpose

You are not summarizing the text or debating the topic. You are analyzing how the writing works.

Essay RequirementsLength

• 23 full pages (MLA format)
• The essay itself must meet the page requirement
• The Works Cited page does NOT count toward the page total

Sources

• Use 13 credible sources
• One will usually be the primary text you are analyzing
• Additional sources may provide background or rhetorical context
• Include a separate Works Cited page in proper MLA format
• All sources must be cited in-text and listed on the Works Cited page

MLA Format Expectations

Your essay must follow MLA guidelines, including:

• 12-point, readable font (Times New Roman or similar)
• Double-spaced throughout
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• MLA heading (your name, instructor, course, date)
• Centered title (no bold, italics, or underline)
• In-text citations for quoted or paraphrased material
• A properly formatted Works Cited page on its own page

Organization of the Essay Introduction

Your introduction should:

• Identify the author, title, and type of text
• Briefly explain the context of the piece
• State a clear thesis that explains how the author uses rhetorical strategies to achieve their purpose

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should:

• Focus on one rhetorical strategy or closely related strategies
• Include specific evidence from the text (quotations or paraphrases)
• Explain how the strategy works and why it is effective (or ineffective)
• Connect back to the authors purpose and audience

Avoid summary-heavy paragraphs. Analysis should always be the main focus.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should:

• Restate your main argument in new words
• Reflect on the overall effectiveness of the authors rhetoric
• Explain why the analysis matters (for example, what readers can learn from the authors choices)

Key Things to Remember

• This is an analysis, not an opinion essay
• Focus on how the author writes, not just what they say
• Use evidence thoughtfully and explain it clearly
• Follow MLA format carefully
• Make sure the essay itself reaches 23 pages, not counting Works Cited

SOURCES:

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson (June 18, 1948)

On the Sidewalk Bleeding by Evan Hunter

Lather and Nothing Else by Hernando Tellez