AP Eng Lang Notes on Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Template Introduction

Begin with an engaging hook related to the text or topic. Provide context about the text (title, author, genre) and state the main argument or claim.

Example Hook

'In a world increasingly divided, George Orwell's literature serves as a warning against totalitarianism.'

Thesis Statement in Rhetorical Analysis

Present a clear and concise thesis that outlines the rhetorical strategies you will analyze and the overall impact of those strategies.

Example Thesis Statement

'Through the use of ethos, pathos, and logos, Orwell effectively argues that totalitarianism poses a great threat to society.'

thesis structure

writer’s name adverb action and adverb action name of reader or intended audience through the use of describe/name rhetorical techniques to describe writers purpose

e.g. Douglass skillfully nudges and emotionally persuades his audience of white, Christian men through the use of heartbreaking emotional appeals and appeals to Christian morality to demonstrate the dehumanization of slavery and advocate for the abolition of slavery.

Body Paragraph Structure

Each body paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that identifies the rhetorical strategy (ethos, pathos, logos) and how it contributes to the author's overall argument.

Example Body Paragraph

'Orwell effectively utilizes ethos by establishing his credibility as a former officer in the Indian Imperial Police, which legitimizes his warning about oppressive regimes.'

Ethos Definition

Ethos is a rhetorical appeal to credibility and ethics, convincing the audience of the reliability and trustworthiness of the speaker.

Pathos Definition

Pathos is a rhetorical appeal to emotion, aiming to evoke feelings in the audience to persuade them.

Logos Definition

Logos is a rhetorical appeal to logic and reason, using facts, statistics, and logical arguments to convince the audience.

Analyzing Ethos

Discuss how the author's background, qualifications, or experience enhances their argument's credibility.

Analyzing Pathos

Examine how the author uses emotional appeals, such as stories or vivid language, to connect with the audience.

Analyzing Logos

Identify logical arguments, data, or examples that support the author's claims and rational appeals.

Transitions Between Paragraphs

Use clear transitions to maintain flow between paragraphs and to guide the reader through your analysis.

Example Transition

'Furthermore, in addition to establishing credibility, Orwell also evokes strong emotions through vivid imagery.'

Evidence in Body Paragraphs

Include direct quotes or paraphrases from the text as supporting evidence for your analysis.

Citing Evidence

Make sure to properly attribute quotes and evidence to the author, following the required citation style.

Conclusion in Rhetorical Analysis

Summarize the key points made in the essay and restate the significance of the author’s rhetorical choices and overall impact.

Example Conclusion

'Ultimately, Orwell's masterful use of rhetorical strategies not only enhances the persuasiveness of his argument but also serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of vigilance in preserving freedom.'

Final Edit and Revision

After completing your essay, revise for clarity, coherence, and any grammatical errors.

Peer Review Importance

Engage in peer review to receive feedback on your argument, structure, and effectiveness of your rhetorical analysis.

Introduction

1. Contextualize the text (Author, title, date, form (speech, essay, article, etc)

2. Briefly describe the text’s subject and purpose.

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

4. Provide a thesis statement and directly state the author’s purpose in writing the work and the rhetorical strategies you will analyze

Body Paragraphs (3)

1. Topic sentence (state the rhetorical device or strategy discussed)

2. Context and Evidence (specific examples or quotes with context)

3. Analysis (explain how and why the rhetorical choice is effective, analyze the impact on the audience, and how it aligns with the author’s purpose)

4. Connect back to thesis statement

Conclusion

1. Restate thesis statement (reaffirm the author’s purpose and the main rhetorical strategies used)

2. Summarize key points (recap the strategies you analyzed and their impact)

3. Reflect on the broader implications of the text or its relevance to contemporary issues

Key Rhetorical Strategies (Appeals)

Ethos: Establishing credibility or authority, ex. citing expertise or shared values

Pathos: Evoking emotion, ex. anecdotes, imagery, charged language

Logos: Logical reasoning, ex. statistics, facts, clear arguments

Key Rhetorical Strategies (Style)

Diction: Word choice that creates tone or emphasizes key ideas

Syntax: Sentence structure, ex. short, impactful sentences to emphasize urgency

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

Key Rhetorical Strategies (Organization)

1. Use of contrast or juxtaposition

2. Repetition to reinforce key ideas

3. Use of rhetorical questions to engage the audience

SOAPStones

speaker, occasion, audience, purpose, situation, tone

e.g. In chapter 8 of Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, he uses the death of his grandma to portray the necessity of slavery abolishment, specifically appealing to and empathizing with his audience of white Christian men.

topic sentence

identify logos (claim) of the section and which rhetorical devices (ethos/pathos + specific ones) being used

e.g. Appealing to the audiences’ Christian ethos, Douglass employs repetition, simile and diction to reveal the inhumane treatment of his grandmother, exposing the dehumanization of both the slave and slaveholder.

body paragraph structure

topic sentence
context (who, what, why, when, where of evidence)

evidence

analysis

tranasition word

context #2

evidence #2

analysis #2

conclusion

dig deeper into call to action

reflect on message of passage

but also like skip if no time

analysis/commentary

why does the author make this choice for the audience?

how does the choice help develop the argument?

why is this choice effective?

pathos

appeal to emotions (empathy, compassion, outrage)

ethos

appeal to common values (how author builds credibility, eg facts, stats, expert testimonies)