Joining the Conversation: Rhetorical Analysis

Writing Scenario: Texts are constructs. Every day, we come across texts that
present issues and opinions that beg us to take and defend a position or to
simply accept their premises, warrants and claims. In this unit we study the
roles writers and readers play in the construction of texts and meaning and
some of these new insights help us make sense of underlying processes of
reading, thinking, and writing critically. Overall, we study modes of
argumentation, the Logicians mode, the Toulmin mode, and the Rogerian
mode of argumentation and which moves writers make when constructing
their argument. Specifically, we are interested in finding out how and why
writers work with deduction or induction and use rational and / or non-
rational appeals when composing certain arguments. What types of evidence
or definitions do they employ to strengthen their arguments? What impact do
fallacies have on the argument?
Select either a verbal or visual text that you have included in your annotated
bibliography to analyze rhetorically. Your audience are peers in a college
setting that are not necessarily familiar with your source text. The purpose of
the analysis is two-fold: readers of your analysis can learn about effective
moves the author(s) makes in constructing meaning in their argument and
you as a researcher make an argument about how and why this particular
source text fits / does not fit into your preliminary argument of your research
project.
Goals/Purpose: For this essay, the focus is on organization overall and
structure within paragraphs. The genre appropriate for our purpose: analytical
essay with a critical lens. Most importantly: You cannot express your own
point of view and should set aside your feelings about the topic. Determine a
thesis/claim while you outline and when drafting. Stay focused and make sure
that every part of the essay is linked to the main claim. That will help you not
to get off track.
Format: Essay must have 1,500 words minimum (not to exceed 1,600), typed
in Times New Roman, double-spaced, 12 point font in your word-processing
program and should follow MLA guidelines. Margins are 1 inch all around.
Below Header/Footer the upper left corner should show your name,
instructors name, class/section, date, and number of draft. A title should
grab the readers attention and a Works Cited needs to list your outside
source(s), including the chapter or visual text you analyze.
Instructions: On invention, research, and analysis consult From Critical
Thinking to Argument and The Everyday UCF Writer.
In addition to sample heuristics here are some guidelines for you to
consider. For this paper analyze the text rhetorically in order to
understand why and how their authors construct their arguments
successfully:
Compile publication information on the text, the author, place and time
of publication, reader response, etc.
Read actual research / information on the discourse community that
your selected text is part of.
Study the background of the author / sponsor.
What is the main argument of the text? What are possible underlying
arguments? Claims? Evidence? Where do claims and evidence
intersect? Where do they contradict each other?
Sketch out the rhetorical situation, (Logos? Pathos? Ethos? Purpose?
Stance/ Bias? Media/ Design?),
Describe the larger context of the public discourse, collect information
on the rhetor(s) (authors) and their values, motivations, and
constraints.
Analyze the texts using the readings of the unit as theoretical
framework:
Rational appeals: types of evidence and definition
Non-rational appeals: sarcasm, irony, humor,
Fallacies
Visuals: Follow the checklist in our reading.
Plan and draft the paper and consider the following outline:
Introduce the text, author, provide background information and
contextualize the currency of public debate
Include a brief summary of the text you selected either in one
paragraph or throughout the analytical essay in order to back
your analysis
Make claim(s) and provide textual evidence from your analysis to
support the claim(s). Make sure you focus on moves that
writers make to construct a (un)successful argument
Wrap up with a conclusion highlighting insights: What are
important take-home points for the reader?
Include a Works Cited section because you analyze a text, and if
you quote other text(s) then include citations for those too.
Please note that you may request a 24 hour extension of the deadline via
Inbox in Canvas. Provide a valid reason and make sure you send the request
before the deadline.
Good luck and ask your peers for feedback!