Write an essay that analyzes the articles "On the Uses of a Liberal Education" By Earl Shorris providing an in-depth analysis of the intended audience and the effect on that audience.
Some questions to consider in your analysis:
Who is the audience? What is the purpose of the essay? What is the tone of the essay? Do you think that the tone is appropriate for the author's intended purpose and audience? What kind of support does the author use to support his claims? Narrative example? Statistical evidence? Logical argument? Expert opinion? Are these strategies effective for the writer's purpose?
Use the following guidelines to compose your essay:
First, read Chapters 5 and 6 in Rules for Writers.
Next, read "Writing a Rhetorical Analysis" and use these questions to take notes on the article.
Read your chosen article carefully and actively, annotating the essay and taking notes in your journal.
Be sure you understand the author's message fully before proceeding (See Summary Assignment).
Analyze the chosen text, in terms of composition, rhetorical strategies, and strength of its argument.
Write your own thesis that states your overall evaluation of the author/creator's rhetorical strategies, which will be supported in the body of your essay by your detailed analysis of the text.
In your essay, present the author's thesis and summarize his/her key points.
Be sure to use quotations from the author's work in your discussion, and be sure to fully discuss each quotation that you use. For any course in the Humanities, always follow MLA guidelines.
Re-read the essay after you have drafted your own paper to ensure you have represented the material fairly, and to ensure you haven't missed any pertinent information.