MLA Style Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Your essay must be in third person. Avoid “I” and use readers or audience instead.

1) Introduction paragraph must include: A Hook: Begin with an interesting fact, story, anecdote, or vivid example that relates to the topic of your chosen author’s text. Include the writer, title of article, and her background. Include one or two sentences explaining what the speaker/writer’s main point is. Make sure you have a surprise reversal thesis statement that answers this question in one to two sentences: Does the author effectively appeal to ethos, logos, Kairos and pathos? ((You do not need to include all appeals but you should include 2-3.)) You also do not need to say the terms. You can use key terms that relate to the appeals, such as the authors is able to be relatable through tone and word choice, or the writer provides good support, etc…

2) Short Summary paragraph: Since you already stated the full author’s name, title and background in the intro, begin your summary with the author’s last name. Use only her last name from now on. Say something like, Estes explains, According to Estes. She states, She writes. Do not include any of your opinions, not evea rhetorical analysis in this paragraph. Only present the author’s main points in an objective manner. Write a clean and concise summary that does not exceed 150 words.

3) Body paragraph that analyzes the beginning of the article: Start with topic sentences that make a claim about the what the author is trying to communicate, a claim about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the message in regard to the rhetorical appeal(s) that are effectively or ineffectively being used (depending on your argument).

If you are arguing that the author is effective, identifying and analyzing the effective appeal(s). Include a direct quotes or phrases from the article. Explain why it is effective, how it is effective, and how the intended audience may interpret, react, or feel. For pathos, pay close attention to word choice, tone, and figurative language, and what the writer is doing to try to relate and connect with the reader. For logos, look at the argument, statements and explanations that seem logical, evidence or support. For ethos, be on the lookout for “I” or sections where the author is using professional or personal experience to gain the reader’s trust, and also consider the author’s background. For Kairos, see how the author’s ties what she says to what is happening today.

On the other hand, if you find her article ineffective, do something similar to the above, but instead explain what is lacking, why the audience may find it ineffective, and what the writer could have done to make that section better. You will still need to quote the article to locate and breakdown her weakness and/or where/what/how the article needs to improve.

4) Body paragraph that analyzes another section of the article: Follow the same as point #3

5) Counterargument and rebuttal paragraph: you must include a paragraph that explains the opposite side of your argument and then refute it. For example, if you have been praising the article for its effectiveness, you will need identify an area that some readers may find ineffective and explain why the author nevertheless is able to achieve her rhetorical aim. Here is an example:

While Smith’s article is effective overall, some readers may find it problematic that he often does not include scientific studies to back up his claims. For example, midway through the article he makes this bold statement: “weight training is more beneficial than aerobic exercises because lifting weights strengthens one’s muscles and bones.” Smith then moves on to say that aerobic exercises provide minimal benefits. Because his advice seems unconventional, Smith should have provided research to support his claims. However, Smith is able to overcome this mishap thanks to his ethos as a personal trainer, his Masters in Sports Medicine, and his 20 years of experience in the fitness industry.

6) Body paragraph that analyzes the ending of the article: Follow the same as point #3

7) Conclusion (do not write a 3 sentence, uninspired conclusion):

•       End with a shorter, more concise version of your thesis. For exampleàIn the end Smith sways her audience through her credibility and emotional tone.

•       Follow that with further explanationàHer proposal, that we grant Medicare benefits to veterans seems practical and doable and the evidence she provides effectively address all sides of the argument.

•       End with your own thoughts on the topic. Give your own ideas concerning the issue, what you’ve learned and what you would like your reader to learn, as well as anything that you want to share about the issue. Here is where you can give your opinion about the issue. In the rest of the essay you should have only analyzed the speakers use of rhetorical appeals and not what your opinion or advice on the matter is. Only here at the end may you voice your opinions.

Add a Works Cited page in MLA

Knightcite Works Cited generator: https://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/index.php

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