The second essay assignment in ENG102 is the researched rhetorical analysis paper; this paper should be five to seven pages (1250-1750 words) in length, not including a Title and References pages. To successfully complete this assignment, you will:
- Identify a current article that argues a position on an issue.
- Summarize the argument in that article.
- Identify the audience of the argument so you can fully analyze how well the writer appeals to that audience.
- Identify ethos, logos, and pathos in the argument, as well as any fallacies used.
- Analyze and evaluate how well those appeals are used for the target audience.
- Support your analysis with appropriate research and support
Basic Organizational Pattern: There are multiple ways to organize a rhetorical analysis essay, but most follow a basic pattern like the outline found on pages 865 of Baker College Composition. Note that the sample below develops on that basic outline, showing how each appeal gets its own section.
- Introduction: In the rhetorical analysis, context also helps your reader understand how the article fits into the larger debate on the issue. End this introduction paragraph with your thesis statement.
- Summary: Summarize the argument in the article that you are analyzing.
- Audience: Create a profile of the target audience of the argument. This can be determined by analyzing the actual publication the article appeared in.
- Analysis of the author's ethos
- Analysis of logos
- Analysis of pathos
- Conclusion: Think about how you can lead the reader back out of the paper.