Analysis Paper
60 points Due May 4, 2004 IN CLASS
Goals: To do a closer reading of one of the texts we’ve read in class (chose from options below) and analyze
the text either critically or rhetorically.
Process:
1. Read Chapters 5 and 6 in W.I.P. and pages 19-21 in P.O. and review analysis handouts
2. Chose from below the piece of writing
a. Read and Re-read the text. Underline points that seem important, look up unfamiliar words
3. Chose one of the question that stimulates you the most and brainstorm for ideas
4. Return to the text again and make notes of examples that support your claim
5. Make sure that you can explain how each example can be brought back to your claim.
In other words: Claim + Example + Justification of Example = Analysis!
6. Refer to your old reading responses and review my comments.
TOPIC CHOICES
Topic One: Do a rhetorical analysis on one of the following pieces of writing.
Choose from Rich’s “What does a woman need to know” or David Brook’s “Conscientious Consumption”
Things to think about when organizing thoughts: What is the author trying to say and how does s/he say it?
In other words, what does s/he want to accomplish by the end of the piece, what does the author want the
audience to come away with, what is the deeper message? And ultimately, HOW is this accomplished? In
other words, how does the writer form her/his point? Is it through use of emotion? Logic? Personal
anecdote? Humor? These are just a few ideas of how writers try to make points.
First come up with the point of the piece, its deeper meaning, then examine three main ways the writer
achieves this point.
Topic Two
Critical Analysis
Re Read Adrienne Rich’s, What Does a Woman Need to Know” or MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Essentially, you will be re-examining my reading response question to you, How effective is the writer’s
rhetorical sensitivity given the rhetorical situation? Does s/he succeed or fail at targeting her/his audience.
How and Why?
Things to think about when organizing thoughts: First decide who the audience is. Remember, YOU are also
the audience if you are reading the text. There might be thousands of different target audiences, try to focus
on one group targeted. Next decide whether or not you think the author was effective in targeting the
audience. Take a stance! You are not allowed to waiver! Then come up with three main reasons why you
felt it was effective or ineffective. Your reasons should have to do with tone/voice/style. (Think back to all
of the words we came up with to describe MLK’s tone/voice/style.)
You may use your old reading response homework for ideas and jumping off points.
Rules: 3 full pages, 12 point Times New Roman font, STAPLED, conventional margins
Note: I reserve the right to grade down on presentation if any of these rules are broken