Essay Assignment: Rhetorical Analysis
Prompt: In English 101, you had to write expository essays. A rhetorical analysis is an expository piece of writing that
evaluates and explains how a writer/composer communicates, maybe even influences, an audience. Locate a
visual/oral/verbal text that you deem interesting and analyze it according to the way the text uses rhetorical effects and
strategies to make its argument. Use specific textual evidence to establish a general argument (i.e., thesis) about how the
text “works.” You should not simply paraphrase or summarize what the writer/composer says or composes; rather, your
goal is to provide a way of understanding the measure of persuasive effect by analyzing the rhetorical situation.
To do this, first identify the maker, intended audience, message, and intended purpose of the text. You can take your cues
from the readings included in the book, class discussions, or discussions with your instructor. This information will set
the foundation for the rest of your analysis. Next, explain how (and how effectively) the text
•
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appeals to its intended audience;
employs the available means (the rhetorical appeals of ethos, logos, pathos; the rhetorical methods of
development; and visual and/or aural elements, if applicable).
Process: Before proceeding with your work on the assignment you must present your topic and text for your instructor’s
review and explain what makes this text an interesting subject (i.e., what is not rhetorically obvious) for rhetorical analysis
through through a 1-page Statement on Planned Research. This statement will layout the topic and three questions
about the topic you want to study. It will also layout why you are interested in studying the topic and what you expect to
learn through this analysis. The topic must be approved by your instructor.
Doing research is fundamental to putting together an effective paper. To this end you must conduct research on your topic
and develop an Annotated Bibliography of at least four sources (see Annotated Bibliography Assignment Sheet). The
bibliography can be changed in the final paper, but the annotated bibliography text you submitted will be a graded
assignment separate from your Essay Assignment.
As you are drafting, consider how you are supporting your claims about the text. Refer to specific moments in the text
(using quotes and other concrete details) as evidence for your explanation of how the writer/composer uses rhetorical
strategies. At the same time, consider the balance between description and analysis in your writing. Describe moments in
the text in order to make your argument, but remember that your job is not to summarize the text for your readers. Your
job is to evaluate the text by analyzing these details and making an argument about their rhetorical effect.
After drafting, revise and edit the Final Draft. Consider carefully the organization and coherence of your piece. Develop
clear paragraphs that support your thesis. It is essential you incorporate feedback (from peers, from the SVWC, or
Smartthinking) at this step off the process based on two completed Feedback Sheets. You must also reflect on this
process and develop a Review Memo laying out your steps.
The Review Memo is meant to make you cognizant about the writing process. Based on the feedback you received, lay
out your process of incorporating feedback and what you learned about the writing process as such in a 1-page memo.
Your answers will not be graded for grammar, but you should try to answer as specifically and clearly as possible. The
memo should explicitly answer these four questions:
• What did you understand about the changes asked for in your essay by your reviewers? Be specific.
• What changes did you make during the revision process and why?
• What changes did you not make and why not?
• What did you learn about the research process and how will you use it in the next assignment?
Format: Your final draft should be three to four pages (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). When citing your outside
source(s), follow MLA format (see IC Part 6 or Bowie State Course Library Guide for English 102.).
Deliverables: 1) Statement of Planned Research, 2) Annotated Bibliography, 3) Rough Draft 4) 2-Completed Feedback
Sheets, 4) Final Draft , and 6) Revision Memo
Suggested Themes and Topics
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Music videos
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Media campaigns by politicians
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Ad campaigns by athletic gear companies
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Presidential campaigns
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Ad campaigns by fashion
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Amazon ad campaigns
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Speeches by famous social activists
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Marijuana policies
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Speeches by presidents
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Specific topics in Hip Hop
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Movie analysis
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Objectification of women in advertising
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Social movement campaigns
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NFL protests
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Essay by authors
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Black Lives Matter
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Historical figures and their writings
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Immigration controversies
Additional Topics:
Rhetorical Analysis Argument Rubric – 100 points
A
B
C
D
F
Introduction
10-9
It does a great job of
connecting to the prompt,
setting the context, and stating
the audience.
8
It does a good job of
connecting to the prompt and
stating the audience.
7
It does not do an
adequate job of
connecting to the prompt
and stating the audience.
6
It does not connect to the
prompt, the subject or state
the audience.
5-0
It does not fulfill either
function regarding the
prompt or audience.
Thesis
5
A very specific 3-point thesis
that provides a clear position
and outlines the structure of
the paper.
4
A closed 3-point thesis that
presents a position being
talked about in the paper.
3
It does not present an
position or the outline
of the paper.
2
No thesis.
1-0
No thesis.
Content of Argument
20-18
Uses appropriate, relevant,
and compelling content to
illustrate profiency of the topic
and analysis; explains using
the appropriate terminology
and with sourced evidence.
14-13
Illustrates competence of
the topic and analysis;
use of appropriate
terminology and with
sourced evidence needs
to be stronger.
12-11
Inadequate handling of the
topic and analysis; no use
of appropriate
terminology.
10-0
Poor handling of the
topic and analytical
process.
Organization
10-9
Presents ideas in a logical and
cohesive sequence, with
paragraphs using topic
sentences and transition
words or phrases well and
reflecting the assigned
argument.
17-15
Uses appropriate, relevant,
and compelling content to
illustrate competence of the
topic and analysis; explains
using the appropriate
terminology and with
sourced evidence.
8
Presents ideas in a cohesive
sequence, with paragraphs
using topic sentences and
transition words or phrases
that need to be
strengthened; logic of
sequence is not explicit but
argument type is clear.
7
Presents ideas in a
sequence of pars with
vague transitions. Topic
sentences are present
but need to be revised
for clarity.
6
Ideas are not presented in
a sequence; transitions and
topic sentences are not
effectively used.
5-0
The essay does not
represent the required
argument in either
sequence or ideas.
Transitions and topic
sentences are missing.
Mechanics and
Style
20-18
The essay demonstrates
mastery in grammar and
mechanics of SAE
conventions. Essay has only 12 major errors and only 1-2
minor errors in its use of SAE
17-15
The essay demonstrates
proficiency over grammar
and mechanics of SAE
conventions. Essay has 3-4
major errors and 3-4 minor
errors in its use of SAE.
14-13
The essay demonstrates
some competence over
grammar and mechanics
of SAE conventions.
Essay has 5 major errors
and 5 minor errors in its
use of SAE.
12-11
The essay displays a lack
of competence over
grammar and mechanics
of SAE conventions. Essay
has 6 or more major errors
and 6 or more minor errors
in its use of SAE.
10-0
The essay displays no
competence over
grammar and
mechanics of SAE
conventions. Essay
demonstrates a lack of
control over SAE in both
major and minor errors.
Conclusion
10-9
It does a great job summing
up the points of the arguments,
restating the position, and
articulates what it means for
future work.
8
It does a good job summing
up the points of the
arguments, restates the
position, and articulates what
it means for future work.
7
It does a adequate job
summing up the points
of the arguments and
position. But it does not
talk about significance to
future work.
6
It does not sum up the
points of the arguments,
restates the position, and
articulates what it means
for future work.
5-0
It does not fulfill any of
the functions of the
conclusion or is missing
one completely.
MLA Citations and
Formatting
5
All sources are introduced
and cited. Essay is formatted
in Times New Roman, 12 pt.
type. Includes a properly
formatted Work Cited Page.
4
Most sources are
introduced but all of them
are cited. Essay is formatted
in Times New Roman, 12 pt.
type. Includes a properly
formatted Work Cited Page
3
Only a couple of
sources are introduced
but all are cited. Essay
is formatted in Times
New Roman, 12 pt. type.
Work cited page is not
satisfactory.
2
Sources are introduced
and most of them are
cited. Margins are not
consistent and pars are not
clearly delineated. Essay
may be in a type face other
than Times New Roman, 12
pt. No work cited page.
1-0
Sources are neither
introduced nor cited.
Portions of the paper are
plagiarized. No Work
Cited page.
Review Memo
20-18
The memo clearly lists the
changes made on the basis of
reviewer’s feedback. It lists
why the changes were made
and reflects on the process. It
also articulates how future
work will build-off what was
learned.
17-15
The memo lists the changes
made. It lists why the
changes were made and
reflects on the process.
14-13
The memo lists the
chances made.
12-11
Does not list any changes
or reflections.
10-0
Memo is too brief or no
memo
Annotated Bibliography
Due:
Genre/Medium: Annotated Bibliography
Prompt:
The writer of an annotated bibliography complies a list of sources to build research. The form includes a
brief summary of the source and your own critical assessment of its relevance, objectivity,
appropriateness, and usefulness. This write-up will be similar to the writing activities you had to do in
English 101. To do this assignment use the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose
(CRAAP) framework in evaluating your resources. It is a tool that helps you keep an organized and
thoughtful record of the research process and relevant information about the topic.
To this end, you will put together an annotated bibliography of four sources in preparation for
Assignment 1. The bibliography will include three types of textual information:
1) Two mainstream and accredited news/ magazine article,
2) One scholarly/academic “peer reviewed” article,
3) One legitimate web-based multimedia or blog-style article.
Format:
Your annotated bibliographies must paragraphs must contain a topic sentence, clear evidence from the
reading, and coherent sentences on a topic. It will use transitions affectively to cohere the overall piece
together. It must answer: 1) What is the information in the article you are summarizing?, 2) What is
your critical assessment of the article?, and 3) How you will use it in your assignment?
Instructions:
1. Cite in MLA-citation format the name of the article.
2. Draft one or two paragraphs for each of the sources you list in your annotated bibliography.
3. Review the information in the bibliographies with your classmates to improve the grammar of the text and
consider points that might help you build your argument in Assignment 3.
Grading Rubric (50 Points):
Content &
evidence
Information
Literacy
25-21
Excellent annotated
bibliographies. It
lays out the aspects
of the topic well,
evaluates the
sources effectively,
and/or lays out how
it will be used in the
argument.
Citation is correct.
It also provides
specific evaluations
about the
appropriateness of
the medium and the
information for
academic research.
20-16
Good annotated
bibliographies. It
lays out the aspects
of the topic well,
evaluates the
sources, and/or lays
out its use in the
argument.
15-11
It is an adequate
annotated
bibliographies. It lays
out the aspects of the
topic, but does not
evaluates the sources
or lay out its use in the
argument.
10-6
Does not fulfill
the requirements
of an annotated
bibliographies.
5-0
Paragraphs are too
poorly written to
be useful or no
paragraphs
presented.
Citation is correct. It
provides specific
evaluations about the
appropriateness of
the medium.
Citation is correct.
Citation is accurate. It
needs to speak to the
appropriateness of the
medium and the
information for
academic research.
Citation is not
correct. Does not
include any
information about
the medium and
appropriateness
for academic
research.
Citation and
assessment are not
adequate or no
citations provided.
I chose this speech because of the interesting words that say: "I have a dream this afternoon
that my four little children will not come up in the same young days that I came up within,
but they will be judged on the basis of the content of their character, not the color of their
skin."The Reverend Martin Luther Ruler Jr. pronounced these words in 1963, but this was not
the speech that would become one of the main imperatives of US history. The American civil
rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech on August 28, 1963, in which he
called for a conclusion on racism, in which he pronounced the words "I have a dream". These
four words would be one of the best-known expressions in the African American history of
the United States. Martin Luther Lord Jr. delivered the address to an audience of over
250,000 supporters of respectful rights on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He delivered
this talk in mid-March on Washington for Employment and Freedom, in which he shared his
dreams of uniformity and flexibility that he accepted could result from contempt and
submission to the United States. Despite the fact that submission had been canceled 100 years
ago, African Americans continued to be treated unfairly and were not truly free. Martin
Luther King Jr. fought hard until he was killed to alter the way African Americans were
treated in society. Several members of the King staff he really tried to weaken him from
using the same "I have a dream", refrain from doing it again. As we all know, this did not
happen. But the way this important speech was created is one of the few curious realities of
what is one of the most important twentieth-century minutes in the United States. king had
proposed the recognizable "Dream" speech he used in Detroit for his march, but his adviser,
Reverend Wyatt Tee Walker, called it "hackneyed and trite." Then, the night before the
march, King's staff made a new speech, "Normalcy Never Again." It was as it were after
pressure from Anna Arnold Hedgeman, the as it were a lady on the national planning
committee, that a "Tribute to Negro Women Fighters for Freedom" was included to the
official program. There is no doubt that King's speech was the most important part of March
in Washington. it continues to be educated at school and memorized by children, half a
century later.
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