English essay Rhetorical Analysis On Thomas Jefferson Pdf
Sample structure/organization There isn’t a single, universal structure to a rhetorical analysis. However, I offer here one approach to guide those who are looking for a starting place.
1. Introduction
a. Background/context For this part, think of a rhetorical precis in which you outline the rhetorical situation, accounting for the intended audience, rhetor, purpose, and exigency. Additionally you should note the rhetor’s main claim and purpose
b. Thesis/contract Make clear the aim(s) of your work, and signal (implicitly or expressly) the scope of your project
2. Body paragraph #1 a. Sub-claim #1/Rhetorical Strategy #1
i. Begin with a statement that summarizes the rhetor’s sub-claim ii. If not noted in the first sentence, identify the rhetor’s principal
reason or data iii. Note the rhetorical strategy used and note how it advances the
claim iv. Back your observation with textual support (i.e. bring in a
quote). v. Examine the warrant to identify the assumption(s) on which the
rhetor’s claim relies; is the claim warranted? vi. Describe how the audience is affected and whether (and how)
this furthers the aims of their argument. Is it persuasive? 3. Body paragraph #2
a. Sub-claim #2/Rhetorical Strategy #2 i. Begin with a statement that summarizes the rhetor’s sub-claim
ii. If not noted in the first sentence, identify the rhetor’s principal reason or data
iii. Note the rhetorical strategy used and note how it advances the claim
iv. Back your observation with textual support (i.e. bring in a quote).
v. Examine the warrant to identify the assumption(s) on which the rhetor’s claim relies; is the claim warranted?
vi. Describe how the audience is affected and whether (and how) this furthers the aims of their argument. Is it persuasive?
4. Conclusion Simply bring the matter to a close Note that by the time you reach this point, you want to leave very little doubt to your conclusion. Your audience should be well aware of your end point because, if you’ve written it well, the paper will lead necessarily to this end. In other words, your conclusion should be the natural result of the work you laid out in your analysis.
