English 3 2015-2016
Ticzon
Rhetorical Analysis Student Outline
I.
II.
III.
Introduction
A. Background information to help readers understand the topic
1. SOAPS analysis
2. Thesis
a. Main reaction to the writer’s argument (Evaluation of argument)
b. “Through his/her (type of literature), (author’s last name) use of (rhetorical
devices) reinforces his/her argument that (author’s argument).”
Body: Main Analysis of Rhetorical Devices
A. Body Paragraph 1 (Topic Sentence—Rhetorical Device)
1. Commentary: What is your evaluation of the author’s use of this rhetorical device?
2. Text Evidence: What piece of TE supports your Topic Sentence?
3. Commentary: Explanation of why/why not the author’s use of rhetorical device is
appropriate/not appropriate for supporting the author’s argument.
4. Text Evidence: What piece of TE supports your previous comment?
5. Extend your thoughts with an inference!
B. Body Paragraph 2 (Topic Sentence—Additional Rhetorical Device)
1. Commentary: What is your evaluation of the author’s use of this rhetorical device?
2. Text Evidence: What piece of TE supports your Topic Sentence?
3. Commentary: Explanation of why/why not the author’s use of rhetorical device is
appropriate/not appropriate for supporting the author’s argument.
4. Text Evidence: What piece of TE supports your previous comment?
5. Extend your thoughts with an inference!
C. Body Paragraph 3 (Topic Sentence—Additional Rhetorical Device)
1. Commentary: What is your evaluation of the author’s use of this rhetorical device?
2. Text Evidence: What piece of TE supports your Topic Sentence?
3. Commentary: Explanation of why/why not the author’s use of rhetorical device is
appropriate/not appropriate for supporting the author’s argument.
4. Text Evidence: What piece of TE supports your previous comment?
5. Extend your thoughts with an inference!
Conclusion
A. Summarize your evaluation of the effectiveness of Rhetorical Devices used in your chosen
piece of literature.
B. Make a final statement about the topic, and the nature of the arguments surrounding the topic
(is it a highly emotional topic? An unknown topic that should motivate people? A topic that is
unlikely to be resolved in the near future?)
C. What do you want your readers to remember about your essay? Leave them with one last piece
of knowledge and commentary about your topic.