1. DUE 3/4 – Rhetorical Analysis: Rough Draft: Compose a completed (4 pages minimum) rough draft of your Rhetorical Analysis Essay. The rough draft should be in proper MLA format, include an introduction w/ thesis, body paragraphs, topic/transition sentences, conclusion, and works cited page. See the essay prompt for specific instructions regarding guidelines and expectations. Consult the Rhetorical Analysis Essay prompt on Blackboard for specific instructions regarding this essay.

RhetoricalAnalysis Essay

Length: 4 pages minimum

Paper format & citation/documentation style: MLA

Audience: Diverse adult readers in an academic context.

Genre of essay: Rhetorical Analysis

Research: For this essay, you will be required to use THREE (3) additional scholarly sources.

Topic: For this assignment, you will write an essay in which you analyze the rhetorical modes utilized in a public speech of your choosing (ie: presidential inaugural address, an op-ed, an acceptance speech, etc.) It will be your job to utilize the concepts we have covered in class (ethos, pathos, logos, objectivity, subjectivity, tone, diction, etc.) to uncover the sub-textual motives of the speech. Be creative and logical as you offer a variety of exploratory discussions/analysis to help your reader understand the rhetorical modes utilized in the text, their intended effect, and their overall effectiveness.

Rhetorical Analysis examines how a text is deliberately constructed or composed to create a persuasive argument (considering elements like rhetorical appeals, strategies of development, and presentation). Be sure to choose a text that will lend itself well to such an analysis.

Write a persuasive analysis of the text with a strong thesis statement, considering not only WHAT that text is arguing but also HOW it is making that argument. Specifically, you need to develop a persuasive claim as to how the primary text is designed to make a particular argument in relation to its:

• Rhetorical situation and/or

• Context, and/or

• Use of rhetorical appeals (such as pathos, logos, ethos), and/or

• Use of one or more strategies of development such as narration, definition, comparison/contrast, division-classification, description, example.

The goal is not to talk about as many elements as possible but instead to focus on those elements that you feel most contribute to the creation of the text’s overall argument.

Remember that while you will need to delve into information, examples, and evidence that helps to support your analysis of rhetorical modes, you will need to keep the focus of the paper related to the objective of the piece you are analyzing. Remember to use the basic elements of writing that we have covered so far to develop your essay (introduction, thesis, topic sentences, transition sentences, examples, conclusion, etc.)

Things to Remember: The purpose of the assignment is to demonstrate that you can effectively demonstrate the ability to rhetorically analyze texts through writing. Therefore, your essay should not stray from the scope of a rhetorical analysis essay into other writing formats (analysis, compare and contrast, etc).

Purpose/Objectives: This assignment will give you experience with academic writing and rhetorical analysis. It will also help prepare you to engage in more advanced forms of academic writing.

Grading: Student papers will be graded using the rubric provided on the syllabus for this course and will be graded on their content, organization, development, expression, and mechanics.

Name: __________________________

Rhetorical Analysis Rubric

Mr. Skoglund

Content (30%): _____

· Engages in and establishes intriguing and insightful prose. Student makes a clear attempt to write in an academic voice and to the best of their ability.

· Student demonstrates knowledge of the rhetorical analysis format and stays on topic, according to assignment guidelines, throughout the essay. Student does not wander into supplementary analysis or other information that does not adhere to the essay requirements. Student engages in adequate synthesis and explication of the rhetorical elements explored.

· Understands the material and assignment. Where applicable, includes relevant quotes and details and explicates their significance appropriately.

Organization & Development (20%): _____

· Assignment is well-balanced and developed. It flows clearly.

· Student demonstrates comprehension of organizational and basic writing techniques covered in class.

· Correctly makes use of thesis statements, topic sentences, transition sentences, introduction, conclusion, counterargument, and other writing techniques where applicable.

Expression (15%): _____

· Demonstrates a strong control of language and awareness of audience, context, and medium to craft the most effective and intriguing prose possible, while still adhering to assignment guidelines and academic voice.

· Demonstrates awareness of academic voice and establishes credibility through diction, word choice, and source integration.

Mechanics (10%): _____

· Superior in its handling of mechanics. Has few spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization errors.

· Student demonstrates ability to engage in meaningful revision and proofreading. Student demonstrates focus and care when crafting their work, and this is evident in their work product.

Research (25%): _____

· Correctly utilizes in-text citations for all sources if applicable.

· Essay utilizes proper MLA formatting guidelines and incorporates appropriate number of required sources.

· Works cited page is correctly formatted, and each citation adheres to proper MLA format.

· Student demonstrates the ability to properly integrate information from source texts and secondary sources, and the research incorporated makes meaningful contributions to their paper.

Additional Comments: Total: _____