Rhetorical Analysis Precis & Outline
Due: Wed. Sept. 30
*(10% of last major grade)
Precis
Directions:
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Note: You are preparing to write an academic analysis of your editorial. Keep in mind the general
principles of good writing (i.e. contextualizing the issue for your reader, presenting “evidence,”
etc.)
Review your annotated editorial, and chunk it by marking its major parts (try three if that works).
The chunks should represent major shifts in the argument, perhaps a “beginning,” “middle,” and
an “end,” whatever that means for your writer. Think about and note the major function (an
appeal, reasoning, etc,) of the techniques used within each chunk.
Then, on the lines below, use the sample precis below, and your green notebook template, to
construct a thorough and accurate summary of your editorial’s rhetoric. If you prefer to type
your precis draft, print and bring with you to class.
Speaker
& Claim
Context for reader
Sample Precis
Purpose
A woman’s work is never done: many American women grow up with this saying and feel it to be true.
One such woman, author Jessica Grose, wrote “Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier,” published in
2013 in the New Republic, and she argues that while the men in women’s lives recently started taking on
more of the childcare and cooking, cleaning still falls unfairly on women. Grose begins building her
credibility with personal facts and reputable sources, citing convincing facts and statistics, and
successfully employing emotional appeals; however, toward the end of the article, her attempts to appeal
to readers’ emotions weaken her credibility and ultimately, her argument that a woman’s work could be
done: by a man. Grose’s serious tone is persuasive but then her humorous tone by the end minimalizes
the importance of the issue for her male and female contemporaries who are open to a more democratic
and egalitarian marriage.
Audience & Tone
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Develop
ment
from
beg. to
end
Outline
Directions:
Rhetorical
Chunks
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Just as your reasons for your argument would construct the body paragraphs of an argument, the
writer’s main persuasive moves make up the “reasons” of your analysis of the effectiveness of
his/her argument. Use your “chunked” notes and your other annotations to chart below what
will be, essentially, body paragraphs for your rhetorical analysis essay.
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List the “chunks” you found in the 1st column
List out at least 2 of the most effective techniques used in that chunk
Fully explain the function of each technique within the chunk of the editorial as well as within the
greater purpose of the editorial. Use another sheet of paper if you do not have enough
room!
At least 2 techniques
effective for this chunk
1)
Function of each technique toward the purpose of the chunk, the overall
purpose of the editorial, including how the intended audience would find each
appealing
1)
2)
2)
3)
3)
4)
4)
5)
5)
6)
6)