ENG-1020: English Composition II

The University of Memphis

Rhetorical Analysis

Purpose:

The purpose of your rhetorical analysis is to analyze another writer’s argument. Of course, your essay should address what the writer has written, but the emphasis of your rhetorical analysis essay should be a close examination of how the writer has presented an argument. Your purpose is not to argue with (or state your agreement with) the writer’s position. Your primary purpose is to analyze the strategies and features another writer has used to be persuasive. Do not be diverted from your primary task: to demonstrate that you have uncovered interesting, important things about the way the author’s argument has been presented.

Process:

First, you need to choose an article to analyze. You should choose one of the following options, each a recent editorial in the Daily Memphian. You can find copies of article on eCourseware:

“The Latest Push for Consolidation Is a Waste of Time” – Clay Bailey

“Third Bridge at Memphis Essential for Country” – Steve Cohen

“From Anti-Mask to ‘Exceptionalism,’ a Two-front Schools Battle Our Kids Don’t Need” – Chris Herrington

“Our Governor Is Failing Us Just When We Need Leadership the Most” – Otis Sanford

“Use the Resources We Have to Limit Lives Lost, Support Learning” – Steve Threlkeld

You do not need to agree with the argument to analyze it, but you should be careful to choose an argument that you can approach objectively. Remember that you will not be critiquing the argument—you will be analyzing it.

What Should Be Analyzed?

In eCourseware, you will find a handout that lists the sorts of things your rhetorical analysis should consider. This list is neither a checklist nor an outline, and not every question will apply to every article.

Submission: You will submit your paper digitally, via eCourseware’s Dropbox. MLA citation and format are required. For specifics about format please see the course syllabus.

Requirements:

1,200 words minimum (not including Works Cited)

MLA citation and format

Avoid summary (beyond a brief introductory summary of your source)

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