Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Daily Activities
Do Now
Nov 12
Prepare for a class discussion on Benjamin Franklin’s essay. We
will be addressing the questions on the Rhetorical Analysis
Questions sheet.You have 10 minutes.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Your Task: To write a rhetorical analysis of one of the three American texts we have read and
discussed in APELaC class.
This will be your first rhetorical essay, and as such, we will be spending approximately four days
completing the work. So, without further ado---DUE DATE: Friday, November 15.
 Requirements:
 Minimum 5 paragraphs
 Includes a discussion and examples of 3 different elements (diction, syntax, structure, or literary
device
 Includes a discussion of the rhetorical situation and a response to the efficacy of the use of the
rhetorical devices.
 Presentation:
 Typed: Times New Roman font, 12 point, double spaced
 Turned into turnitin.com by midnight Friday
 Evidence of peer editing
Choose the essay you want to write
about
 “Why I Went to the Woods”
 Henry David Thoreau
 “The Declaration of Independence”
 Thomas Jefferson
 “Essay on Daylight Savings”
 Benjamin Franklin
Choose the three categories that best
fit the author’s purpose:
 Mode
Structure
 Transitions or Change
Syntax
 Punctuation
Diction
 Tone/Attitude
Device
 Literary elements
 Sentence Length/Style
 Word Choice
 Irony/Satire
Find at least two quotes/examples
for each category you chose from the
story you chose
Write Your Thesis
Claim Frames
 The author conveys the purpose of _____________ by using ____(rhetorical
element), ____(rhetorical element), and ___(rhetorical element).
 The author uses ______(rhetorical elements) to illustrate/ demonstrate/
convey/explore/emphasize _____(purpose).
 __________’s use of ____(rhetorical element), ____(rhetorical element), and
_______(rhetorical element) in _____(name of essay) helps to express/
convey/illustrate/explore______(purpose or topic).
 By using ___________(rhetorical element), _______(rhetorical element), and
____________(rhetorical element), the author
illustrates/conveys/demonstrates/ delves into (purpose or topic)
My Thesis:
By using varied sentence length, description, and
comparison, the author illustrates the value of a
comma.
Do Now
Nov 13
Parallellism: The use of identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in
corresponding clauses or phrases
Wrong:
Mother was very busy gathering the laundry, using the duster on the furniture, and
then she went and did the dishes.
Right:
Mother was very busy gathering the laundry, dusting the furniture and washing the
dishes.
Write your own sentence with a list of three things, making sure that they
are Parallel.
Summarize the Essay and Rhetorical
Situation
Summary Frames
 In the essay, ______________ by __________, the author
explores/examines/ illustrates/demonstrates/conveys…..(topic)
 The text addresses/explores ___(the topic) _____________ in the
context of ________________________________.
 Throughout the essay, the writers tone/attitude is ___________ as
(s)he ___(modes)__ the (topic).
 Initially, the writer of the essay feels ________, but as the essay
progresses….
Add Summary & Thesis Together for
Introduction
In the essay, “In Praise of the Humble Comma”
by Pico Iyer, the author explores punctuation. The
text specifically addresses the comma in the
context of its use in writing and culture.
Throughout the essay, the writers tone is whimsical
as he defines the comma.
+
By using varied sentence length, description, and
comparison, the author illustrates the value of a
comma.
Topic
Textual
Evidence
Paraphrase
Analysis
• What rhetorical element does the author use and WHY?
• How does the author’s use of this element affect your interpretation of the text?
• What textual evidence supports use reasoning for why the author uses this
element?
• What is the evidence saying, IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
• What is your interpretation of this textual evidence?
• How does it connect to your topic sentence/thesis?
Body Paragraphs
Quote Sandwiches
Claim
• Rephrase your Thesis
Evaluation
• How effective/powerful were the rhetorical strategies?
Personal Reflection
• What did you realize?
• What does the essay remind you of?
Conclusions
Do Now
Nov 14
Parallelism practice: Fix these sentences
1. Working on tall bridges requires tremendous balance, amazing
agility, and will create an eventual lack of fear.
2. John Belushi is remembered for his physical style of comedy, his
blues singing, and for behavior that was self-destructive.
3. In assembling the basketball team, we looked for players whose
style of play was physical, with impressive backgrounds, and who had
boundless potential.
Stations
 Computer: Typing your essay
 Peer Editing: You must have three people to read and
evaluate your essay
 Drafting: For those of you not done, or ready to make a
change after peer editing
 Editing Station: Rule #1: Titles (p700) & Adding good
transitions (try Anadiplosis)
DO Now
Nov 15
Anadiplosis: Repeating the last words of one clause in the
next successive clause.
ex 1.
The land of my fathers? My fathers can have it.' - Dylan
Thomas on 'Wales‘
ex 2.
My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, and every tongue
brings in a several tale, and every tale condemns me for a villain.
- 'Richard III' byWilliam Shakespeare
Write your own Anadiplosis style sentence!
Stations
 Computer: Typing your essay
 Peer Editing: You must have three people to read and
evaluate your essay
 Drafting: For those of you not done, or ready to make a
change after peer editing
 Editing Station: Rule #1: Titles (p700) & Adding good
transitions (try Anadiplosis)
Essay Due Friday, Nov 15 @ Midnight