Rhetorical Analysis Essay Template

Introduction Acronym

H.C.T

H.C.T

Hook

Contextualize the Passage

Thesis

Hook/Opening Statement

Briefly engage the reader by presenting quotations, intriguing statements, anecdotes, questions, statistics, data, contextualized information, or a scenario.

Typical Introduction Structure

• Context

• Information

• Anecdote

• Quotation

3 ways to contextualize a Passage

• Mention the author, title, date (if relevant), and form (speech, essay, article, etc.).

• Briefly describe the text’s subject and purpose.

• Identify the audience and any relevant historical or cultural background.

What is the goal of a Thesis Statement

State the author’s primary rhetorical strategies and their overall effect on the audience.

Thesis STEM

"Through the use of [strategy 1], [strategy 2], and [strategy 3], [Author] effectively [persuades/informs/moves] the audience to [intended effect]."

Structure for Each Body Paragraph:

Topic Sentence

Textual Evidence

Analysis

3 ways to Conclusion

Restate Thesis

Broader Significance

Closing Thought

misc

• Avoid summary—focus on analysis, not retelling.

• Use strong verbs (e.g., "criticizes," "evokes," "undermines," "reinforces").

• Embed quotes smoothly and always analyze them.

• Vary sentence structure to demonstrate styli

Topic Sentence .

Introduce the rhetorical strategy being analyzed.

Textual Evidence

Provide a specific quote or example from the passage.

Analysis

Explain HOW the strategy works and WHY it’s effective in persuading the audience.

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

• Restate Thesis – Rephrase your main argument.

• Broader Significance – Explain why the author’s argument matters in a larger context (social, political, historical, etc.).

• Closing Thought – End with a final insight or memorable statement about the text’s effectiveness.

Rhetorical Strategies to Look For (Appeals)

• Ethos: Establishing credibility or authority (e.g., citing expertise or shared values).

• Pathos: Evoking emotion (e.g., anecdotes, imagery, charged language).

• Logos: Logical reasoning (e.g., statistics, facts, clear arguments).

Rhetorical Strategies to Look For (Stylistic Devices)

• Diction: Word choice that creates tone or emphasizes key ideas (e.g., connotative language).

• Syntax: Sentence structure (e.g., short, impactful sentences to emphasize urgency).

• Imagery and Figurative Language: Metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions.

Rhetorical Strategies to Look For (Organizational Strategies)

• Use of contrast or juxtaposition.

• Repetition to reinforce key ideas.

• Rhetorical Questions to engage the audience.

Time Management Reading:

• Spend 5–10 minutes reading and annotating

Time Management Writing:

• Spend 20–25 minutes writing

Time Management Writing:

• 5 minutes proofreading.