COM 495
Response Analysis Paper
(30 POINTS)
COMEAUX
DUE: (see class schedule) hard copy AND electronic copy required Send electronic copy as
email attachment (Microsoft Word) and make sure you get a “Got It” response from me. NOTE:
if you have problems with your printer do NOT be late to class, send the electronic copy
with a note to me and I will print it.
TASK: Evaluate the effectiveness of Barack Obama’s speech on Race (March 18,
2008) through the lens (frame) of one of the following rhetorical theorists: Aristotle (Logos,
Pathos, Ethos); Bitzer (Rhetorical Situation); OR Burke (Pentad and Identification).
QUESTIONS: What rhetorical strategies did Obama use in his speech? WHY and/or
HOW they were effective (or not)?
Particulars: Write a 2 ½ to 3 page persuasive essay in which you develop clear claims
(evaluations/judgments) about the effectiveness of Obama’s use of rhetorical strategies in his
speech. These claims must incorporate elements of rhetorical theories of one of the above (ONLY
select one of the theorists) and must be supported with evidence (examples from his speech).
Furthermore, you must develop your paper by connecting your claims to the examples/evidence
and detailing why and/or how the strategies of his speech are effective (or not).
Other particulars and suggestions:
• Use the complete Obama Speech (not the excerpt); see BB under Resources;
• To help you decide which rhetorical theorists (lens) to use to evaluate the speech:
o first read the complete speech (print a hard copy because you will need it for
analysis);
o as your read, underline important aspects (purpose (s), major points, etc);
o then decide which lens seems you would like to use for your analysis.
• Avoid lengthy direct quotes from either the rhetorical theory or Obama’s speech; it is best to
paraphrase and credit your source.
• See two student examples of rhetorical analysis of a similar assignment (not the same).
These examples are provided for you to observe not only the excellence in analysis and
writing but the details provided by the students (in their paper excerpts) of WHY the
rhetorical strategies were effective.
• See “ Plagiarism Notes” on our BB site under Resources.
Regarding Organization and Style: Use a clear organizational pattern which must include an
introduction with purpose of essay and an overview of what rhetorical theory and strategies you will
cover and why (the value of using that lens/frame to analyze Obama’s speech), a body with clearly
developed and supported claims and transitions to connect ideas, and a conclusion which
summarizes the value of Obama’s speech and/or the value of what the rhetorical lens revealed.
The style must follow a logical and coherent progression of ideas with grammatical sentence
structure and accurate spelling. Use correct format for citing references in your essay and in the
references page. As COM majors we use APA style; an example of use of APA references in the
paper and in the Works Cited (References) is on BB under Resources.
Requirements of Paper: Paper must be typed double spaced using either 11 point or 12 point
Times New Roman font. You can use Calibri 11 (Microsoft Word’s default font; however, do NOT
triple space between paragraphs (FIX your paragraph default so that the spacing and indentation
are all set on “0”). Do not triple space between paragraphs and do not use right margin
justification; use paragraph indent for new paragraphs. A title page is not necessary for this paper
just put your name, name of assignment and date at the top and do NOT double space that brief
heading. Length should be between 2 ½ to 3 pages.* Check spelling and grammar construction.
Make sure you use complete, logical sentences and coherent development of thought. Address
the task/questions directly. (See Evaluation Form. Response Paper.)
*Please stay within these page requirements with one of the required fonts. Grade-wise it
is OK/better to exceed the length slightly (a little over 3 pages) rather than to end up with barely 2
½ pages.
Please Note: excellence and quality is expected in your work. Never be satisfied with the first
draft. Feel free to call or email me with questions and consult the writing center for assistance on
your development of thought, etc.
COM 495 EVALUATION FORM – Response Analysis Paper
(Use as a guide for writing as I will use it to evaluate your paper)
E = Excellent
VG = Very Good
S = Satisfactory
NI = Needs Improvement
Content and Quality
______
Used concepts from one of the following Rhetorical Theorists: Aristotle, Bitzer OR
Burke.
______
Used evidence/relevant examples from Obama’s speech on Race (complete version—
not the excerpt).
______
Explained and conceptually integrated concepts (rhetorical strategies) with
evidence/examples to demonstrate thorough and critical analysis.
______
Insightfully and thoroughly addressed questions of WHY and HOW in a detailed and
thorough analysis. Remember this analysis needs to identify and interpret the rhetorical
strategies as well as address the why and/or how questions.
______
Demonstrated excellence in analysis; insightful, thorough and in-depth critical thinking
which reflects work of a senior-level seminar and excellence in effort and product.
Format and Organization
______
Introduction, complete with overview of paper (purpose and approach).
______
Body focused and centered around claims and major ideas, transitions used to connect
ideas.
______
Conclusion summarized and provided value.
______
Writing style followed a logical and coherent progression of ideas; writing style clear
with acceptable usage/grammar.
______
2 ½ to 3 typed pages, used required font, double spaced and proofed for spelling and
usage; hard and electronic copies of paper received on time.