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• How to write a rhetorical analysis | Key concepts & examples

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis | Key Concepts & Examples

Published on August 28, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A rhetorical analysis is a type of essay  that looks at a text in terms of rhetoric. This means it is less concerned with what the author is saying than with how they say it: their goals, techniques, and appeals to the audience.

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Table of contents

Key concepts in rhetoric, analyzing the text, introducing your rhetorical analysis, the body: doing the analysis, concluding a rhetorical analysis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about rhetorical analysis.

Rhetoric, the art of effective speaking and writing, is a subject that trains you to look at texts, arguments and speeches in terms of how they are designed to persuade the audience. This section introduces a few of the key concepts of this field.

Appeals: Logos, ethos, pathos

Appeals are how the author convinces their audience. Three central appeals are discussed in rhetoric, established by the philosopher Aristotle and sometimes called the rhetorical triangle: logos, ethos, and pathos.

Logos , or the logical appeal, refers to the use of reasoned argument to persuade. This is the dominant approach in academic writing , where arguments are built up using reasoning and evidence.

Ethos , or the ethical appeal, involves the author presenting themselves as an authority on their subject. For example, someone making a moral argument might highlight their own morally admirable behavior; someone speaking about a technical subject might present themselves as an expert by mentioning their qualifications.

Pathos , or the pathetic appeal, evokes the audience’s emotions. This might involve speaking in a passionate way, employing vivid imagery, or trying to provoke anger, sympathy, or any other emotional response in the audience.

These three appeals are all treated as integral parts of rhetoric, and a given author may combine all three of them to convince their audience.

Text and context

In rhetoric, a text is not necessarily a piece of writing (though it may be this). A text is whatever piece of communication you are analyzing. This could be, for example, a speech, an advertisement, or a satirical image.

In these cases, your analysis would focus on more than just language—you might look at visual or sonic elements of the text too.

The context is everything surrounding the text: Who is the author (or speaker, designer, etc.)? Who is their (intended or actual) audience? When and where was the text produced, and for what purpose?

Looking at the context can help to inform your rhetorical analysis. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech has universal power, but the context of the civil rights movement is an important part of understanding why.

Claims, supports, and warrants

A piece of rhetoric is always making some sort of argument, whether it’s a very clearly defined and logical one (e.g. in a philosophy essay) or one that the reader has to infer (e.g. in a satirical article). These arguments are built up with claims, supports, and warrants.

A claim is the fact or idea the author wants to convince the reader of. An argument might center on a single claim, or be built up out of many. Claims are usually explicitly stated, but they may also just be implied in some kinds of text.

The author uses supports to back up each claim they make. These might range from hard evidence to emotional appeals—anything that is used to convince the reader to accept a claim.

The warrant is the logic or assumption that connects a support with a claim. Outside of quite formal argumentation, the warrant is often unstated—the author assumes their audience will understand the connection without it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still explore the implicit warrant in these cases.

For example, look at the following statement:

We can see a claim and a support here, but the warrant is implicit. Here, the warrant is the assumption that more likeable candidates would have inspired greater turnout. We might be more or less convinced by the argument depending on whether we think this is a fair assumption.

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Rhetorical analysis isn’t a matter of choosing concepts in advance and applying them to a text. Instead, it starts with looking at the text in detail and asking the appropriate questions about how it works:

• What is the author’s purpose?
• Do they focus closely on their key claims, or do they discuss various topics?
• What tone do they take—angry or sympathetic? Personal or authoritative? Formal or informal?
• Who seems to be the intended audience? Is this audience likely to be successfully reached and convinced?
• What kinds of evidence are presented?

By asking these questions, you’ll discover the various rhetorical devices the text uses. Don’t feel that you have to cram in every rhetorical term you know—focus on those that are most important to the text.

The following sections show how to write the different parts of a rhetorical analysis.

Like all essays, a rhetorical analysis begins with an introduction . The introduction tells readers what text you’ll be discussing, provides relevant background information, and presents your thesis statement .

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how an introduction works.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of oratory in American history. Delivered in 1963 to thousands of civil rights activists outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech has come to symbolize the spirit of the civil rights movement and even to function as a major part of the American national myth. This rhetorical analysis argues that King’s assumption of the prophetic voice, amplified by the historic size of his audience, creates a powerful sense of ethos that has retained its inspirational power over the years.

The body of your rhetorical analysis is where you’ll tackle the text directly. It’s often divided into three paragraphs, although it may be more in a longer essay.

Each paragraph should focus on a different element of the text, and they should all contribute to your overall argument for your thesis statement.

Hover over the example to explore how a typical body paragraph is constructed.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

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The conclusion of a rhetorical analysis wraps up the essay by restating the main argument and showing how it has been developed by your analysis. It may also try to link the text, and your analysis of it, with broader concerns.

Explore the example below to get a sense of the conclusion.

It is clear from this analysis that the effectiveness of King’s rhetoric stems less from the pathetic appeal of his utopian “dream” than it does from the ethos he carefully constructs to give force to his statements. By framing contemporary upheavals as part of a prophecy whose fulfillment will result in the better future he imagines, King ensures not only the effectiveness of his words in the moment but their continuing resonance today. Even if we have not yet achieved King’s dream, we cannot deny the role his words played in setting us on the path toward it.

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The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to explain the effect a piece of writing or oratory has on its audience, how successful it is, and the devices and appeals it uses to achieve its goals.

Unlike a standard argumentative essay , it’s less about taking a position on the arguments presented, and more about exploring how they are constructed.

The term “text” in a rhetorical analysis essay refers to whatever object you’re analyzing. It’s frequently a piece of writing or a speech, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, you could also treat an advertisement or political cartoon as a text.

Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, building up logical arguments . Ethos appeals to the speaker’s status or authority, making the audience more likely to trust them. Pathos appeals to the emotions, trying to make the audience feel angry or sympathetic, for example.

Collectively, these three appeals are sometimes called the rhetorical triangle . They are central to rhetorical analysis , though a piece of rhetoric might not necessarily use all of them.

In rhetorical analysis , a claim is something the author wants the audience to believe. A support is the evidence or appeal they use to convince the reader to believe the claim. A warrant is the (often implicit) assumption that links the support with the claim.

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What Is a Rhetorical Analysis and How to Write a Great One

Helly Douglas

Do you have to write a rhetorical analysis essay? Fear not! We’re here to explain exactly what rhetorical analysis means, how you should structure your essay, and give you some essential “dos and don’ts.”

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

How do you write a rhetorical analysis, what are the three rhetorical strategies, what are the five rhetorical situations, how to plan a rhetorical analysis essay, creating a rhetorical analysis essay, examples of great rhetorical analysis essays, final thoughts.

A rhetorical analysis essay studies how writers and speakers have used words to influence their audience. Think less about the words the author has used and more about the techniques they employ, their goals, and the effect this has on the audience.

In your analysis essay, you break a piece of text (including cartoons, adverts, and speeches) into sections and explain how each part works to persuade, inform, or entertain. You’ll explore the effectiveness of the techniques used, how the argument has been constructed, and give examples from the text.

A strong rhetorical analysis evaluates a text rather than just describes the techniques used. You don’t include whether you personally agree or disagree with the argument.

Structure a rhetorical analysis in the same way as most other types of academic essays . You’ll have an introduction to present your thesis, a main body where you analyze the text, which then leads to a conclusion.

Think about how the writer (also known as a rhetor) considers the situation that frames their communication:

• Topic: the overall purpose of the rhetoric
• Audience: this includes primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences
• Purpose: there are often more than one to consider
• Context and culture: the wider situation within which the rhetoric is placed

Back in the 4th century BC, Aristotle was talking about how language can be used as a means of persuasion. He described three principal forms —Ethos, Logos, and Pathos—often referred to as the Rhetorical Triangle . These persuasive techniques are still used today.

Rhetorical Strategy 1: Ethos

Are you more likely to buy a car from an established company that’s been an important part of your community for 50 years, or someone new who just started their business?

Reputation matters. Ethos explores how the character, disposition, and fundamental values of the author create appeal, along with their expertise and knowledge in the subject area.

Aristotle breaks ethos down into three further categories:

• Phronesis: skills and practical wisdom
• Arete: virtue
• Eunoia: goodwill towards the audience

Ethos-driven speeches and text rely on the reputation of the author. In your analysis, you can look at how the writer establishes ethos through both direct and indirect means.

Rhetorical Strategy 2: Pathos

Pathos-driven rhetoric hooks into our emotions. You’ll often see it used in advertisements, particularly by charities wanting you to donate money towards an appeal.

Common use of pathos includes:

• Vivid description so the reader can imagine themselves in the situation
• Personal stories to create feelings of empathy
• Emotional vocabulary that evokes a response

By using pathos to make the audience feel a particular emotion, the author can persuade them that the argument they’re making is compelling.

Rhetorical Strategy 3: Logos

Logos uses logic or reason. It’s commonly used in academic writing when arguments are created using evidence and reasoning rather than an emotional response. It’s constructed in a step-by-step approach that builds methodically to create a powerful effect upon the reader.

Rhetoric can use any one of these three techniques, but effective arguments often appeal to all three elements.

The rhetorical situation explains the circumstances behind and around a piece of rhetoric. It helps you think about why a text exists, its purpose, and how it’s carried out.

The rhetorical situations are:

• 1) Purpose: Why is this being written? (It could be trying to inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain.)
• 2) Audience: Which groups or individuals will read and take action (or have done so in the past)?
• 3) Genre: What type of writing is this?
• 4) Stance: What is the tone of the text? What position are they taking?
• 5) Media/Visuals: What means of communication are used?

Understanding and analyzing the rhetorical situation is essential for building a strong essay. Also think about any rhetoric restraints on the text, such as beliefs, attitudes, and traditions that could affect the author's decisions.

Before leaping into your essay, it’s worth taking time to explore the text at a deeper level and considering the rhetorical situations we looked at before. Throw away your assumptions and use these simple questions to help you unpick how and why the text is having an effect on the audience.

1: What is the Rhetorical Situation?

• Why is there a need or opportunity for persuasion?
• How do words and references help you identify the time and location?
• What are the rhetoric restraints?
• What historical occasions would lead to this text being created?

2: Who is the Author?

• How do they position themselves as an expert worth listening to?
• What is their ethos?
• Do they have a reputation that gives them authority?
• What is their intention?
• What values or customs do they have?

3: Who is it Written For?

• Who is the intended audience?
• How is this appealing to this particular audience?
• Who are the possible secondary and tertiary audiences?

4: What is the Central Idea?

• Can you summarize the key point of this rhetoric?
• What arguments are used?
• How has it developed a line of reasoning?

5: How is it Structured?

• What structure is used?
• How is the content arranged within the structure?

6: What Form is Used?

• Does this follow a specific literary genre?
• What type of style and tone is used, and why is this?
• Does the form used complement the content?
• What effect could this form have on the audience?

7: Is the Rhetoric Effective?

• Does the content fulfil the author’s intentions?
• Does the message effectively fit the audience, location, and time period?

Once you’ve fully explored the text, you’ll have a better understanding of the impact it’s having on the audience and feel more confident about writing your essay outline.

A great essay starts with an interesting topic. Choose carefully so you’re personally invested in the subject and familiar with it rather than just following trending topics. There are lots of great ideas on this blog post by My Perfect Words if you need some inspiration. Take some time to do background research to ensure your topic offers good analysis opportunities.

Remember to check the information given to you by your professor so you follow their preferred style guidelines. This outline example gives you a general idea of a format to follow, but there will likely be specific requests about layout and content in your course handbook. It’s always worth asking your institution if you’re unsure.

Make notes for each section of your essay before you write. This makes it easy for you to write a well-structured text that flows naturally to a conclusion. You will develop each note into a paragraph. Look at this example by College Essay for useful ideas about the structure.

1: Introduction

This is a short, informative section that shows you understand the purpose of the text. It tempts the reader to find out more by mentioning what will come in the main body of your essay.

• Name the author of the text and the title of their work followed by the date in parentheses
• Use a verb to describe what the author does, e.g. “implies,” “asserts,” or “claims”
• Briefly summarize the text in your own words
• Mention the persuasive techniques used by the rhetor and its effect

Create a thesis statement to come at the end of your introduction.

After your introduction, move on to your critical analysis. This is the principal part of your essay.

• Explain the methods used by the author to inform, entertain, and/or persuade the audience using Aristotle's rhetorical triangle
• Use quotations to prove the statements you make
• Explain why the writer used this approach and how successful it is
• Consider how it makes the audience feel and react

Make each strategy a new paragraph rather than cramming them together, and always use proper citations. Check back to your course handbook if you’re unsure which citation style is preferred.

3: Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize the points you’ve made in the main body of your essay. While you will draw the points together, this is not the place to introduce new information you’ve not previously mentioned.

Use your last sentence to share a powerful concluding statement that talks about the impact the text has on the audience(s) and wider society. How have its strategies helped to shape history?

Before You Submit

Poor spelling and grammatical errors ruin a great essay. Use ProWritingAid to check through your finished essay before you submit. It will pick up all the minor errors you’ve missed and help you give your essay a final polish. Look at this useful ProWritingAid webinar for further ideas to help you significantly improve your essays. Sign up for a free trial today and start editing your essays!

You’ll find countless examples of rhetorical analysis online, but they range widely in quality. Your institution may have example essays they can share with you to show you exactly what they’re looking for.

The following links should give you a good starting point if you’re looking for ideas:

Pearson Canada has a range of good examples. Look at how embedded quotations are used to prove the points being made. The end questions help you unpick how successful each essay is.

Excelsior College has an excellent sample essay complete with useful comments highlighting the techniques used.

Brighton Online has a selection of interesting essays to look at. In this specific example, consider how wider reading has deepened the exploration of the text.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can seem daunting, but spending significant time deeply analyzing the text before you write will make it far more achievable and result in a better-quality essay overall.

It can take some time to write a good essay. Aim to complete it well before the deadline so you don’t feel rushed. Use ProWritingAid’s comprehensive checks to find any errors and make changes to improve readability. Then you’ll be ready to submit your finished essay, knowing it’s as good as you can possibly make it.

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Helly Douglas is a UK writer and teacher, specialising in education, children, and parenting. She loves making the complex seem simple through blogs, articles, and curriculum content. You can check out her work at hellydouglas.com or connect on Twitter @hellydouglas. When she’s not writing, you will find her in a classroom, being a mum or battling against the wilderness of her garden—the garden is winning!

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How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay–Examples & Template

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

A rhetorical analysis essay is, as the name suggests, an analysis of someone else’s writing (or speech, or advert, or even cartoon) and how they use not only words but also rhetorical techniques to influence their audience in a certain way. A rhetorical analysis is less interested in what the author is saying and more in how they present it, what effect this has on their readers, whether they achieve their goals, and what approach they use to get there. 

Its structure is similar to that of most essays: An Introduction presents your thesis, a Body analyzes the text you have chosen, breaks it down into sections and explains how arguments have been constructed and how each part persuades, informs, or entertains the reader, and a Conclusion section sums up your evaluation. 

Note that your personal opinion on the matter is not relevant for your analysis and that you don’t state anywhere in your essay whether you agree or disagree with the stance the author takes.

In the following, we will define the key rhetorical concepts you need to write a good rhetorical analysis and give you some practical tips on where to start.

Key Rhetorical Concepts

Your goal when writing a rhetorical analysis is to think about and then carefully describe how the author has designed their text so that it has the intended effect on their audience. To do that, you need to consider a number of key rhetorical strategies: Rhetorical appeals (“Ethos”, “Logos”, and “Pathos”), context, as well as claims, supports, and warrants.

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos were introduced by Aristotle, way back in the 4th century BC, as the main ways in which language can be used to persuade an audience. They still represent the basis of any rhetorical analysis and are often referred to as the “rhetorical triangle”. 

These and other rhetorical techniques can all be combined to create the intended effect, and your job as the one analyzing a text is to break the writer’s arguments down and identify the concepts they are based on.

Rhetorical Appeals

Rhetorical appeal #1: ethos.

Ethos refers to the reputation or authority of the writer regarding the topic of their essay or speech and to how they use this to appeal to their audience. Just like we are more likely to buy a product from a brand or vendor we have confidence in than one we don’t know or have reason to distrust, Ethos-driven texts or speeches rely on the reputation of the author to persuade the reader or listener. When you analyze an essay, you should therefore look at how the writer establishes Ethos through rhetorical devices.

Does the author present themselves as an authority on their subject? If so, how? 

Do they highlight how impeccable their own behavior is to make a moral argument? 

Do they present themselves as an expert by listing their qualifications or experience to convince the reader of their opinion on something?

Rhetorical appeal #2: Pathos

The purpose of Pathos-driven rhetoric is to appeal to the reader’s emotions. A common example of pathos as a rhetorical means is adverts by charities that try to make you donate money to a “good cause”. To evoke the intended emotions in the reader, an author may use passionate language, tell personal stories, and employ vivid imagery so that the reader can imagine themselves in a certain situation and feel empathy with or anger towards others.

Rhetorical appeal #3: Logos

Logos, the “logical” appeal, uses reason to persuade. Reason and logic, supported by data, evidence, clearly defined methodology, and well-constructed arguments, are what most academic writing is based on. Emotions, those of the researcher/writer as well as those of the reader, should stay out of such academic texts, as should anyone’s reputation, beliefs, or personal opinions. 

Text and Context

To analyze a piece of writing, a speech, an advertisement, or even a satirical drawing, you need to look beyond the piece of communication and take the context in which it was created and/or published into account. 

Who is the person who wrote the text/drew the cartoon/designed the ad..? What audience are they trying to reach? Where was the piece published and what was happening there around that time? 

A political speech, for example, can be powerful even when read decades later, but the historical context surrounding it is an important aspect of the effect it was intended to have. 

Claims, Supports, and Warrants

To make any kind of argument, a writer needs to put forward specific claims, support them with data or evidence or even a moral or emotional appeal, and connect the dots logically so that the reader can follow along and agree with the points made.

The connections between statements, so-called “warrants”, follow logical reasoning but are not always clearly stated—the author simply assumes the reader understands the underlying logic, whether they present it “explicitly” or “implicitly”. Implicit warrants are commonly used in advertisements where seemingly happy people use certain products, wear certain clothes, accessories, or perfumes, or live certain lifestyles – with the connotation that, first, the product/perfume/lifestyle is what makes that person happy and, second, the reader wants to be as happy as the person in the ad. Some warrants are never clearly stated, and your job when writing a rhetorical analysis essay is therefore to identify them and bring them to light, to evaluate their validity, their effect on the reader, and the use of such means by the writer/creator. 

What are the Five Rhetorical Situations?

A “rhetorical situation” refers to the circumstance behind a text or other piece of communication that arises from a given context. It explains why a rhetorical piece was created, what its purpose is, and how it was constructed to achieve its aims.

Rhetorical situations can be classified into the following five categories:

Asking such questions when you analyze a text will help you identify all the aspects that play a role in the effect it has on its audience, and will allow you to evaluate whether it achieved its aims or where it may have failed to do so.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

Analyzing someone else’s work can seem like a big task, but as with every assignment or writing endeavor, you can break it down into smaller, well-defined steps that give you a practical structure to follow. 

To give you an example of how the different parts of your text may look when it’s finished, we will provide you with some excerpts from this rhetorical analysis essay example (which even includes helpful comments) published on the Online Writing Lab website of Excelsior University in Albany, NY. The text that this essay analyzes is this article on why one should or shouldn’t buy an Ipad. If you want more examples so that you can build your own rhetorical analysis template, have a look at this essay on Nabokov’s Lolita and the one provided here about the “Shitty First Drafts” chapter of Anne Lamott’s writing instruction book “Bird by Bird”.

Analyzing the Text

When writing a rhetorical analysis, you don’t choose the concepts or key points you think are relevant or want to address. Rather, you carefully read the text several times asking yourself questions like those listed in the last section on rhetorical situations to identify how the text “works” and how it was written to achieve that effect.

Start with focusing on the author : What do you think was their purpose for writing the text? Do they make one principal claim and then elaborate on that? Or do they discuss different topics? 

Then look at what audience they are talking to: Do they want to make a group of people take some action? Vote for someone? Donate money to a good cause? Who are these people? Is the text reaching this specific audience? Why or why not?

What tone is the author using to address their audience? Are they trying to evoke sympathy? Stir up anger? Are they writing from a personal perspective? Are they painting themselves as an authority on the topic? Are they using academic or informal language?

How does the author support their claims ? What kind of evidence are they presenting? Are they providing explicit or implicit warrants? Are these warrants valid or problematic? Is the provided evidence convincing?  

Asking yourself such questions will help you identify what rhetorical devices a text uses and how well they are put together to achieve a certain aim. Remember, your own opinion and whether you agree with the author are not the point of a rhetorical analysis essay – your task is simply to take the text apart and evaluate it.

If you are still confused about how to write a rhetorical analysis essay, just follow the steps outlined below to write the different parts of your rhetorical analysis: As every other essay, it consists of an Introduction , a Body (the actual analysis), and a Conclusion .

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction

The Introduction section briefly presents the topic of the essay you are analyzing, the author, their main claims, a short summary of the work by you, and your thesis statement . 

Tell the reader what the text you are going to analyze represents (e.g., historically) or why it is relevant (e.g., because it has become some kind of reference for how something is done). Describe what the author claims, asserts, or implies and what techniques they use to make their argument and persuade their audience. Finish off with your thesis statement that prepares the reader for what you are going to present in the next section – do you think that the author’s assumptions/claims/arguments were presented in a logical/appealing/powerful way and reached their audience as intended?

Have a look at an excerpt from the sample essay linked above to see what a rhetorical analysis introduction can look like. See how it introduces the author and article , the context in which it originally appeared , the main claims the author makes , and how this first paragraph ends in a clear thesis statement that the essay will then elaborate on in the following Body section:

Cory Doctorow ’s article on BoingBoing is an older review of the iPad , one of Apple’s most famous products. At the time of this article, however, the iPad was simply the latest Apple product to hit the market and was not yet so popular. Doctorow’s entire career has been entrenched in and around technology. He got his start as a CD-ROM programmer and is now a successful blogger and author. He is currently the co-editor of the BoingBoing blog on which this article was posted. One of his main points in this article comes from Doctorow’s passionate advocacy of free digital media sharing. He argues that the iPad is just another way for established technology companies to control our technological freedom and creativity . In “ Why I Won’t Buy an iPad (and Think You Shouldn’t, Either) ” published on Boing Boing in April of 2010, Cory Doctorow successfully uses his experience with technology, facts about the company Apple, and appeals to consumer needs to convince potential iPad buyers that Apple and its products, specifically the iPad, limit the digital rights of those who use them by controlling and mainstreaming the content that can be used and created on the device . 

Doing the Rhetorical Analysis

The main part of your analysis is the Body , where you dissect the text in detail. Explain what methods the author uses to inform, entertain, and/or persuade the audience. Use Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle and the other key concepts we introduced above. Use quotations from the essay to demonstrate what you mean. Work out why the writer used a certain approach and evaluate (and again, demonstrate using the text itself) how successful they were. Evaluate the effect of each rhetorical technique you identify on the audience and judge whether the effect is in line with the author’s intentions.

To make it easy for the reader to follow your thought process, divide this part of your essay into paragraphs that each focus on one strategy or one concept , and make sure they are all necessary and contribute to the development of your argument(s).

One paragraph of this section of your essay could, for example, look like this:

One example of Doctorow’s position is his comparison of Apple’s iStore to Wal-Mart. This is an appeal to the consumer’s logic—or an appeal to logos. Doctorow wants the reader to take his comparison and consider how an all-powerful corporation like the iStore will affect them. An iPad will only allow for apps and programs purchased through the iStore to be run on it; therefore, a customer must not only purchase an iPad but also any programs he or she wishes to use. Customers cannot create their own programs or modify the hardware in any way. 

As you can see, the author of this sample essay identifies and then explains to the reader how Doctorow uses the concept of Logos to appeal to his readers – not just by pointing out that he does it but by dissecting how it is done.

Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion

The conclusion section of your analysis should restate your main arguments and emphasize once more whether you think the author achieved their goal. Note that this is not the place to introduce new information—only rely on the points you have discussed in the body of your essay. End with a statement that sums up the impact the text has on its audience and maybe society as a whole:

Overall, Doctorow makes a good argument about why there are potentially many better things to drop a great deal of money on instead of the iPad. He gives some valuable information and facts that consumers should take into consideration before going out to purchase the new device. He clearly uses rhetorical tools to help make his case, and, overall, he is effective as a writer, even if, ultimately, he was ineffective in convincing the world not to buy an iPad . 

Frequently Asked Questions about Rhetorical Analysis Essays 

What is a rhetorical analysis essay.

A rhetorical analysis dissects a text or another piece of communication to work out and explain how it impacts its audience, how successfully it achieves its aims, and what rhetorical devices it uses to do that. 

While argumentative essays usually take a stance on a certain topic and argue for it, a rhetorical analysis identifies how someone else constructs their arguments and supports their claims.

What is the correct rhetorical analysis essay format?

Like most other essays, a rhetorical analysis contains an Introduction that presents the thesis statement, a Body that analyzes the piece of communication, explains how arguments have been constructed, and illustrates how each part persuades, informs, or entertains the reader, and a Conclusion section that summarizes the results of the analysis. 

What is the “rhetorical triangle”?

The rhetorical triangle was introduced by Aristotle as the main ways in which language can be used to persuade an audience: Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, Ethos to the writer’s status or authority, and Pathos to the reader’s emotions. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos can all be combined to create the intended effect, and your job as the one analyzing a text is to break the writer’s arguments down and identify what specific concepts each is based on.

Let Wordvice help you write a flawless rhetorical analysis essay! 

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70 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Secondary ELA

May 28, 2019 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   8 Comments

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Before we get to the rhetorical analysis essay prompts (a.k.a. tons of ready-to-analyze texts at your fingertips), let’s take a time-out to lay the groundwork for understanding a rhetorical analysis essay using ethos, pathos, and logos.

Rhetoric is Defined As…

Put simply, rhetoric refers to any technique an author uses to persuade an audience.

Or, the behind-the-scenes choices an author makes to give you all the feels. 

Chances are, if you consider a text or speech to be  really good , rhetorical techniques are working like a master puppeteer to pull at your heart strings, make an impact on your brain, and get you to let down your guard because you trust the author or speaker.

That’s why political figures have speech writers.

That’s why authors spend time fine-tuning their words and sentences.

Rhetoric is important.

In addition, rhetoric goes back to the ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, the “father” of rhetoric.

The Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Moving on, if rhetoric is the art of persuasion, then the rhetorical analysis essay analyzes how an author or speaker creates opportunity for persuasion in his/her text.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay involves understanding of context and occasion for writing. It also involves understanding the subject matter of the speech and intended audience.

Beyond this, noticing how the author uses rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices to impact the target audience can help you to write an in-depth rhetorical essay analysis.

The BEST Rhetoric Topics

As a teacher, I’m always in search of engaging texts for students to analyze. In this post, I’m sharing the best speeches, advertisements, and essays  for rhetorical analysis. You’ll never run out of rhetorical analysis essay topics again!

So, you’ll definitely want to stop right now and pin this post. 

Your future English-teacher-self will thank you. 

47 Rhetoric Examples in Speeches

The following speeches work well individually, but I’ve also tried to add value by pairing texts together.

Whether you’re analyzing rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos or looking at rhetorical devices, these speeches will work for discussion or as the text for a rhetorical analysis essay.

• Gettysburg Monologue in Remember the Titans  – Pair with “ The Gettysburg Address ” by Abraham Lincoln
• “ Full Power of Women ” by Priyanka Chopra – Pair with Emma Watson’s speech on the Power of Women
• Speech from Finding Forrester – Pair with “ Integrity ” by Warren Buffet
• Red’s Parole Hearing from Shawshank Redemption – Pair with the Freedom Speech from Braveheart
• Ending Scene from The Breakfast Club – Pair with  “ The Danger of a Single Story ” by Chimamanda Ngozi Achichi
• Authentic Swing Speech from The Legend of Bagger Vance – Pair with  “ How Winning is Done ” from  Rocky Balboa
• Maximus’ Speech to Commodus from Gladiator – Pair with  The Revolutionary Speech  from  V for Vendetta
• The Natural State of Mankind from Amistad – Pair with “ Our Diversity Makes Us Who We Are ” by Michelle Obama
• Denzel Washington’s  Dillard University Commencement Speech – Pair with “ The Last Lecture ” by Randy Pausch
• “ Like Pieces of Glass in my Head ” from The Green Mile – Pair with “ Eulogy for Beau Biden ” by Barack Obama
• Oprah’s  2018 Golden Globes speech – Pair with  Seth Myers’ Golden Globes Monologue  and/or  Ellen says #MeToo
• Independence Day speech – Pair with  Aragorn’s Helm’s Deep Speech  from LOTR: The Two Towers
• Pair  “I am Human”  &  “Love Liberates” , both by Maya Angelou
• Pink’s  VMA acceptance speech – Pair with “ If I Should Have a Daughter ” by Sarah Kay
• Ellen’s  People’s Choice Humanitarian Award Acceptance Speech – Pair with “ Pep Talk ” by Kid President
• Gandalf Speaks to Frodo in Moria  from  LOTR : Fellowship of the Ring – Pair with   Sam’s Speech   in LOTR: The Two Towers
• Obama’s  Final Farewell Speech – Pair with Al Pacino’s  Any Given Sunday  speech – clean version
• Harvard Graduation Speech by Donovan Livingston – Pair with Steve Jobs  2005 Stanford Commencement Speech
• “ Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator ” by Tim Urban – Pair with “ Five Second Rule ” by Mel Robbins
• Rachel Hollis “Inspire Women to be Their Best” (mild profanity)
• My Philosophy for a Happy Life by Sam Berns
• “ To this Day: For the Bullied and the Beautiful ” by Shane Koyczan – Pair with Kid President’s “ Pep Talk to Teachers and Students “
• “ The Power of Introverts ” by Susan Cain – Pair with “ Don’t Let Others Stop You From Living Your Own Truth “

Rhetoric in Advertising: 23 Examples

This next list holds a blend of print advertisements and commercials, perfect for introducing close reading and rhetorical analysis and for writing a rhetorical analysis essay.

Ads are short, but pack a punch. Honestly, my students love analyzing the rhetoric of advertisements a lot because they are accessible and visual.

Rhetoric Commercials & Print Advertisements

• “ Web of Fries “
• Duracell “ Teddy Bear ” Commercial
• Apple 1984 Commercial Introducing the New Macintosh Computer
• Nike “ Find Your Greatness ” Ads
• Pepsi, Superbowl 53 Commercial: “ More than Okay ”
• “ Get a Mac ” Commercial Compilation
• “ Can You Hear Me Now ” Verizon Wireless
• Apple iPhone X – “ Unlock ”
• Kiwi “ First Steps ” Print Advertisement
• Vauxhall’s  Backwards Cinderella
• Lego Print Advertisement
• Top 10 Powerful Ads of 2014

Rhetoric of the Image

• Entourage NGO for the Homeless Print Advertisement Images
• 33 Creative Print Ads
• Protege Group
• Greenpeace Print Advertisement Collection
• “ Divorce Furniture “
• L’Oréal Paris: “This Ad Is For Men, 1 ” L’Oréal Paris: “This Ad Is For Men, 2 ” L’Oréal Paris: “This Ad Is For Men, 3 ”
• “ It’s Not Acceptable to Treat a Woman Like One”
• “ 50 Creative and Effective Advertising Examples “
• Juvenile Protective Association
• Anti-Bullying Campaign
• 25 Serious Ads

Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

No doubt, writing a rhetorical analysis essay is like taking apart a puzzle and putting it back together again. Teachers, help your students to understand how all of the pieces fit together in order to see the bigger picture of what the author is trying to accomplish.

First, take time to understand how a text “works” for a rhetorical analysis essay using ethos, pathos, and logos:

• Read or listen to understand overall content. Look up unfamiliar words.
• Mark the text for the author’s main points and sub-points.
• descriptive
• compare/contrast
• cause/effect
• argumentative
• Take notes on SOAPS: subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker
• Discuss the text(s) in Socratic Seminar .

Next, identify rhetorical appeals . 

• Ethos: How an author demonstrates credibility and builds trust.
• Pathos: How an author creates an emotional response.
• Logos: How an author demonstrates expertise and knowledge.

Look for rhetorical devices & patterns in the text.

• Rhetorical devices refer to an author’s use of diction and syntax.
• Does the author repeat key words / phrases? What’s the impact?
• Does the author return to the same idea or image? Why?

Finally, write a clear thesis statement & topic sentences for your rhetorical analysis essay.

• Use your thesis statement to generate topic sentences.
• In your body paragraphs, identify a technique, provide an example, and discuss the “right there” and “beneath the surface” meanings. How does the author’s choice impact the audience, further a message, establish a tone?
• What’s the context for the repetition?
• What connotations are important?
• How is the anaphora used to move the reader to greater understanding (logos), emotional investment (pathos), and/or trust in the author’s ideas (ethos)?

Six Strategies for Teaching Rhetorical Analysis

I’ve created an awesome free guide to inspire English teachers who teach rhetoric and the rhetorical analysis essay in their classrooms. Even if you don’t teach AP lang, you can benefit from these strategies !

Rhetorical Analysis Essay FAQ’s

How do you write a rhetorical analysis essay.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay is like writing a literary analysis essay, except the focus is on one or more non-fiction texts and the analysis targets an author’s style or rhetorical “moves” (a.k.a. use of rhetorical appeals and/or devices). Rhetorical analysis essays usually prove a claim about the author’s message or purpose for writing. The paragraphs in a rhetorical analysis essay unpack “what” an author is doing to send this message and “how” these choices impact the audience.

What does it mean to write a rhetorical analysis?

Writing a rhetorical analysis means that you are aware, as an audience member, reader, listener, human being, of the messages you consume. As a critical consumer of others’ ideas, you ask hard questions about how these messages are shaped, why they’re being delivered in certain ways, and why this is important for you and for society.

What are the three rhetorical strategies?

The three most commonly known rhetorical strategies are known as rhetorical appeals. Ethos (ethics) refers to credibility and trustworthiness. Pathos (passion) refers to engaging an audience’s emotions. Logos (logic) refers to engaging an audience’s brain through logical organization and use of evidence and arguments.

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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Reader Interactions

January 9, 2023 at 9:38 am

Hi Lindsay Ann, thanks so much for these great resources. Just wanted to gently point out a couple errors that you might want to fix:

#12: should be Seth Myers’ (not Seth Myer’s) #13: should be independence (not independance)

Teachers have to help each other out 🙂

Best, Nikkee

January 9, 2023 at 5:44 pm

Thank you so much for letting me know, Nikkee!

[…] a lot of options and extensions for analyzing rhetoric in social media. Who knows, maybe your next rhetorical analysis essay assignment will be focused on rhetoric in social […]

[…] 70 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Secondary ELA […]

[…] find that teaching rhetorical analysis and close reading skills go hand-in-hand with teaching voice in […]

[…] helps students to remember that everything comes back to the author’s purpose or message in rhetorical analysis. Author’s purpose is central to unpacking an author’s choices, including use of […]

[…] you assigning a rhetorical analysis essay? Why not try having students use rhetorical analysis sentence […]

[…] I introduced students to rhetoric. First, we journaled on this topic: Think of a time someone talked you into doing something or believing something. How did they do it? What tactics did they use? Students may share out journals. I gave students a graphic organizer with a PAPA analysis (purpose, audience, persona, argument) and picked a speech. Frankly, the speech I picked, which was Samwise Gamgee’s speech to Frodo Baggins in The Two Towers, failed spectacularly since students had no frame of reference. Note: that movie is old now. I know. It makes me sad, too. So go cautiously if you use this, but maybe pick something else. You can find a massive list here. […]

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

3-minute read

• 22nd August 2023

A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of academic writing that analyzes how authors use language, persuasion techniques , and other rhetorical strategies to communicate with their audience. In this post, we’ll review how to write a rhetorical analysis essay, including:

• Understanding the assignment guidelines
• Introducing your essay topic
• Examining the rhetorical strategies
• Summarizing your main points

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to rhetorical analysis.

What Is a Rhetorical Strategy?

A rhetorical strategy is a deliberate approach or technique a writer uses to convey a message and/or persuade the audience. A rhetorical strategy typically involves using language, sentence structure, and tone/style to influence the audience to think a certain way or understand a specific point of view. Rhetorical strategies are especially common in advertisements, speeches, and political writing, but you can also find them in many other types of literature.

1.   Understanding the Assignment Guidelines

Before you begin your rhetorical analysis essay, make sure you understand the assignment and guidelines. Typically, when writing a rhetorical analysis, you should approach the text objectively, focusing on the techniques the author uses rather than expressing your own opinions about the topic or summarizing the content. Thus, it’s essential to discuss the rhetorical methods used and then back up your analysis with evidence and quotations from the text.

2.   Introducing Your Essay Topic

Introduce your essay by providing some context about the text you’re analyzing. Give a brief overview of the author, intended audience, and purpose of the writing. You should also clearly state your thesis , which is your main point or argument about how and why the author uses rhetorical strategies. Try to avoid going into detail on any points or diving into specific examples – the introduction should be concise, and you’ll be providing a much more in-depth analysis later in the text.

3.   Examining the Rhetorical Strategies

In the body paragraphs, analyze the rhetorical strategies the author uses. Here are some common rhetorical strategies to include in your discussion:

●  Ethos : Establishing trust between the writer and the audience by appealing to credibility and ethics

●  Pathos : Appealing to the audience’s emotions and values

●  Logos : Employing logic, reason, and evidence to appeal to the reader

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●  Diction : Deliberately choosing specific language and vocabulary

●  Syntax : Structuring and arranging sentences in certain ways

●  Tone : Conveying attitude or mood in certain ways

●  Literary Devices : Using metaphors, similes, analogies , repetition, etc.

Keep in mind that for a rhetorical analysis essay, you’re not usually required to find examples of all of the above rhetorical strategies. But for each one you do analyze, consider how it contributes to the author’s purpose, how it influences the audience, and what emotions or thoughts it could evoke in the reader.

4.   Summarizing Your Main Points

In your conclusion , sum up the main points of your analysis and restate your thesis. Without introducing any new points (such as topics or ideas you haven’t already covered in the main body of your essay), summarize the overall impact that the author’s rhetorical strategies likely had on their intended audience.

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How to write a rhetorical analysis

What is a rhetorical analysis?

What are the key concepts of a rhetorical analysis, rhetorical situation, claims, supports, and warrants.

• Step 1: Plan and prepare
• Step 2: Write your introduction
• Step 3: Write the body
• Step 4: Write your conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions about rhetorical analysis

Related articles.

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion and aims to study writers’ or speakers' techniques to inform, persuade, or motivate their audience. Thus, a rhetorical analysis aims to explore the goals and motivations of an author, the techniques they’ve used to reach their audience, and how successful these techniques were.

This will generally involve analyzing a specific text and considering the following aspects to connect the rhetorical situation to the text:

• Does the author successfully support the thesis or claims made in the text? Here, you’ll analyze whether the author holds to their argument consistently throughout the text or whether they wander off-topic at some point.
• Does the author use evidence effectively considering the text’s intended audience? Here, you’ll consider the evidence used by the author to support their claims and whether the evidence resonates with the intended audience.
• What rhetorical strategies the author uses to achieve their goals. Here, you’ll consider the word choices by the author and whether these word choices align with their agenda for the text.
• The tone of the piece. Here, you’ll consider the tone used by the author in writing the piece by looking at specific words and aspects that set the tone.
• Whether the author is objective or trying to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint. When it comes to objectivity, you’ll consider whether the author is objective or holds a particular viewpoint they want to convince the audience of. If they are, you’ll also consider whether their persuasion interferes with how the text is read and understood.
• Does the author correctly identify the intended audience? It’s important to consider whether the author correctly writes the text for the intended audience and what assumptions the author makes about the audience.
• Does the text make sense? Here, you’ll consider whether the author effectively reasons, based on the evidence, to arrive at the text’s conclusion.
• Does the author try to appeal to the audience’s emotions? You’ll need to consider whether the author uses any words, ideas, or techniques to appeal to the audience’s emotions.
• Can the author be believed? Finally, you’ll consider whether the audience will accept the arguments and ideas of the author and why.

Summing up, unlike summaries that focus on what an author said, a rhetorical analysis focuses on how it’s said, and it doesn’t rely on an analysis of whether the author was right or wrong but rather how they made their case to arrive at their conclusions.

Although rhetorical analysis is most used by academics as part of scholarly work, it can be used to analyze any text including speeches, novels, television shows or films, advertisements, or cartoons.

Now that we’ve seen what rhetorical analysis is, let’s consider some of its key concepts .

Any rhetorical analysis starts with the rhetorical situation which identifies the relationships between the different elements of the text. These elements include the audience, author or writer, the author’s purpose, the delivery method or medium, and the content:

• Audience: The audience is simply the readers of a specific piece of text or content or printed material. For speeches or other mediums like film and video, the audience would be the listeners or viewers. Depending on the specific piece of text or the author’s perception, the audience might be real, imagined, or invoked. With a real audience, the author writes to the people actually reading or listening to the content while, for an imaginary audience, the author writes to an audience they imagine would read the content. Similarly, for an invoked audience, the author writes explicitly to a specific audience.
• Author or writer: The author or writer, also commonly referred to as the rhetor in the context of rhetorical analysis, is the person or the group of persons who authored the text or content.
• The author’s purpose: The author’s purpose is the author’s reason for communicating to the audience. In other words, the author’s purpose encompasses what the author expects or intends to achieve with the text or content.
• Alphabetic text includes essays, editorials, articles, speeches, and other written pieces.
• Imaging includes website and magazine advertisements, TV commercials, and the like.
• Audio includes speeches, website advertisements, radio or tv commercials, or podcasts.
• Context: The context of the text or content considers the time, place, and circumstances surrounding the delivery of the text to its audience. With respect to context, it might often also be helpful to analyze the text in a different context to determine its impact on a different audience and in different circumstances.

An author will use claims, supports, and warrants to build the case around their argument, irrespective of whether the argument is logical and clearly defined or needs to be inferred by the audience:

• Claim: The claim is the main idea or opinion of an argument that the author must prove to the intended audience. In other words, the claim is the fact or facts the author wants to convince the audience of. Claims are usually explicitly stated but can, depending on the specific piece of content or text, be implied from the content. Although these claims could be anything and an argument may be based on a single or several claims, the key is that these claims should be debatable.
• Support: The supports are used by the author to back up the claims they make in their argument. These supports can include anything from fact-based, objective evidence to subjective emotional appeals and personal experiences used by the author to convince the audience of a specific claim. Either way, the stronger and more reliable the supports, the more likely the audience will be to accept the claim.
• Warrant: The warrants are the logic and assumptions that connect the supports to the claims. In other words, they’re the assumptions that make the initial claim possible. The warrant is often unstated, and the author assumes that the audience will be able to understand the connection between the claims and supports. In turn, this is based on the author’s assumption that they share a set of values and beliefs with the audience that will make them understand the connection mentioned above. Conversely, if the audience doesn’t share these beliefs and values with the author, the argument will not be that effective.

Appeals are used by authors to convince their audience and, as such, are an integral part of the rhetoric and are often referred to as the rhetorical triangle. As a result, an author may combine all three appeals to convince their audience:

• Ethos: Ethos represents the authority or credibility of the author. To be successful, the author needs to convince the audience of their authority or credibility through the language and delivery techniques they use. This will, for example, be the case where an author writing on a technical subject positions themselves as an expert or authority by referring to their qualifications or experience.
• Logos: Logos refers to the reasoned argument the author uses to persuade their audience. In other words, it refers to the reasons or evidence the author proffers in substantiation of their claims and can include facts, statistics, and other forms of evidence. For this reason, logos is also the dominant approach in academic writing where authors present and build up arguments using reasoning and evidence.
• Pathos: Through pathos, also referred to as the pathetic appeal, the author attempts to evoke the audience’s emotions through the use of, for instance, passionate language, vivid imagery, anger, sympathy, or any other emotional response.

To write a rhetorical analysis, you need to follow the steps below:

With a rhetorical analysis, you don’t choose concepts in advance and apply them to a specific text or piece of content. Rather, you’ll have to analyze the text to identify the separate components and plan and prepare your analysis accordingly.

Here, it might be helpful to use the SOAPSTone technique to identify the components of the work. SOAPSTone is a common acronym in analysis and represents the:

• Speaker . Here, you’ll identify the author or the narrator delivering the content to the audience.
• Occasion . With the occasion, you’ll identify when and where the story takes place and what the surrounding context is.
• Audience . Here, you’ll identify who the audience or intended audience is.
• Purpose . With the purpose, you’ll need to identify the reason behind the text or what the author wants to achieve with their writing.
• Subject . You’ll also need to identify the subject matter or topic of the text.
• Tone . The tone identifies the author’s feelings towards the subject matter or topic.

Apart from gathering the information and analyzing the components mentioned above, you’ll also need to examine the appeals the author uses in writing the text and attempting to persuade the audience of their argument. Moreover, you’ll need to identify elements like word choice, word order, repetition, analogies, and imagery the writer uses to get a reaction from the audience.

Once you’ve gathered the information and examined the appeals and strategies used by the author as mentioned above, you’ll need to answer some questions relating to the information you’ve collected from the text. The answers to these questions will help you determine the reasons for the choices the author made and how well these choices support the overall argument.

Here, some of the questions you’ll ask include:

• What was the author’s intention?
• Who was the intended audience?
• What is the author’s argument?
• What strategies does the author use to build their argument and why do they use those strategies?
• What appeals the author uses to convince and persuade the audience?
• What effect the text has on the audience?

Keep in mind that these are just some of the questions you’ll ask, and depending on the specific text, there might be others.

Once you’ve done your preparation, you can start writing the rhetorical analysis. It will start off with an introduction which is a clear and concise paragraph that shows you understand the purpose of the text and gives more information about the author and the relevance of the text.

The introduction also summarizes the text and the main ideas you’ll discuss in your analysis. Most importantly, however, is your thesis statement . This statement should be one sentence at the end of the introduction that summarizes your argument and tempts your audience to read on and find out more about it.

After your introduction, you can proceed with the body of your analysis. Here, you’ll write at least three paragraphs that explain the strategies and techniques used by the author to convince and persuade the audience, the reasons why the writer used this approach, and why it’s either successful or unsuccessful.

You can structure the body of your analysis in several ways. For example, you can deal with every strategy the author uses in a new paragraph, but you can also structure the body around the specific appeals the author used or chronologically.

No matter how you structure the body and your paragraphs, it’s important to remember that you support each one of your arguments with facts, data, examples, or quotes and that, at the end of every paragraph, you tie the topic back to your original thesis.

Finally, you’ll write the conclusion of your rhetorical analysis. Here, you’ll repeat your thesis statement and summarize the points you’ve made in the body of your analysis. Ultimately, the goal of the conclusion is to pull the points of your analysis together so you should be careful to not raise any new issues in your conclusion.

After you’ve finished your conclusion, you’ll end your analysis with a powerful concluding statement of why your argument matters and an invitation to conduct more research if needed.

A rhetorical analysis aims to explore the goals and motivations of an author, the techniques they’ve used to reach their audience, and how successful these techniques were. Although rhetorical analysis is most used by academics as part of scholarly work, it can be used to analyze any text including speeches, novels, television shows or films, advertisements, or cartoons.

The steps to write a rhetorical analysis include:

Your rhetorical analysis introduction is a clear and concise paragraph that shows you understand the purpose of the text and gives more information about the author and the relevance of the text. The introduction also summarizes the text and the main ideas you’ll discuss in your analysis.

Ethos represents the authority or credibility of the author. To be successful, the author needs to convince the audience of their authority or credibility through the language and delivery techniques they use. This will, for example, be the case where an author writing on a technical subject positions themselves as an expert or authority by referring to their qualifications or experience.

Appeals are used by authors to convince their audience and, as such, are an integral part of the rhetoric and are often referred to as the rhetorical triangle. The 3 types of appeals are ethos, logos, and pathos.

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis: Full Guide

Have you ever been completely fascinated by a speech or ad, wondering how it managed to convince you so effectively? From powerful political speeches to catchy commercials, persuasion is all around us, shaping our thoughts and choices every day.

In this guide, we'll explain all about a rhetorical analysis essay. We'll break down the clever tricks writers and speakers use to win over their audience, like how they choose their words carefully and play with our emotions. This article will give you the tools you need to understand and analyze texts more deeply. So, let’s jump right in and start by understanding the nature of this assignment first.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of essay where you examine how authors or speakers use words, phrases, and other techniques to influence or persuade their audience. This type of essay focuses on analyzing the strategies used by the writer or speaker to achieve their purpose, whether it's to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke.

You'll dissect the text or speech into its components, looking at how each part contributes to the overall message. This might involve examining the introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, evidence, and conclusion.

Once you've identified the strategies used, you'll assess their effectiveness in achieving the author's or speaker's purpose. This involves considering the intended audience, context, and the impact of the communication.

As per our essay writing service , some common topics for rhetorical analysis include analyzing speeches by influential leaders, dissecting political advertisements, or examining the rhetoric used in literary works.

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Rhetorical Analysis Topic Ideas

Now that we've grasped the essence of a rhetorical analysis essay let's explore some potential topics you might consider for your own analysis. Here are 15 specific ideas to get you started:

• The Use of Metaphors in Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' Speech
• Visual Rhetoric in Dove's 'Real Beauty' Advertising Campaign
• The Role of Irony in Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal'
• The Manipulation of Emotions in Coca-Cola's 'Share a Coke' Campaign
• The Repetition Technique in Winston Churchill's 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches' Speech
• The Argument Structure in Michelle Obama's Speech on Education
• The Use of Imagery in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven'
• Gender Stereotypes in Old Spice's 'The Man Your Man Could Smell Like' Ad
• Satirical Elements in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'
• The Influence of Tone in Greta Thunberg's Climate Change Speeches
• Political Symbolism in Banksy's Street Art
• Humor as Persuasion in Ellen DeGeneres' Stand-Up Comedy
• The Power of Silence in Emma Watson's UN Speech on Gender Equality
• Ethical Appeals in ASPCA's Animal Rights Advertisements
• The Cultural References in Super Bowl Commercials: A Case Study

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis

Understanding how to start a rhetorical analysis essay involves dissecting a piece of communication to learn how it works and what effect it aims to achieve. This analytical process typically includes five paragraphs and three main parts: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Below, our analytical essay writing service will explain each in more detail

Major Rhetorical Elements

Before heading towards the analysis process, it's essential to grasp some key rhetorical concepts that will help guide your examination of the text or speech. These concepts provide a framework for understanding how authors and speakers use language to persuade and influence their audience.

Ethos, pathos logos in rhetorical analysis form the foundation of persuasive communication and are often intertwined in rhetorical strategies. Ethos refers to the credibility or authority of the speaker or author. Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions, while logos appeals to reason and logic.

There are also other rhetorical devices that are specific techniques or patterns of language used to convey meaning or evoke particular responses. Examples include metaphor, simile, imagery, irony, repetition, and hyperbole. Recognizing and analyzing these devices can provide insight into the author's intended message and its impact on the audience.

Tone and mood also play crucial roles in shaping the audience's perception and response to the communication. Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject matter, while mood describes the emotional atmosphere created by the text.

Whether you ask us - write my essay , or tackle the task yourself, familiarizing yourself with these concepts will help you analyze the text and persuade the audience more effectively.

Understanding Rhetorical Appeals

First off, what is ethos in rhetorical analysis? Well, it revolves around establishing the credibility and authority of the speaker or author. This appeal seeks to convince the audience that the communicator is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and reliable. Ethos in rhetorical analysis can be built through various means, including:

• Professional Credentials : Demonstrating expertise in the subject matter through relevant qualifications or experience.
• Personal Character : Highlighting traits such as honesty, integrity, and sincerity to engender trust and respect.
• Association : Aligning oneself with respected individuals, institutions, or causes to enhance credibility by association.

For instance, in a health-related speech, a doctor might leverage their medical expertise and professional experience (credentials) to establish ethos. Similarly, a celebrity endorsing a product is using their fame and reputation (association) to persuade consumers.

Now, let's understand what is pathos in rhetorical analysis. Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions, aiming to evoke feelings such as empathy, sympathy, joy, anger, or fear. This emotional connection can be a powerful tool for persuasion, as it resonates with the audience on a personal level. Strategies for employing pathos in rhetorical analysis include:

• Vivid Imagery : Painting a vivid picture or narrative that elicits strong emotional responses from the audience.
• Anecdotes : Sharing personal stories or anecdotes that evoke empathy or sympathy and make the message more relatable.
• Language Choice : Using emotive language, sensory details, and rhetorical devices to evoke specific emotional reactions.

For example, in a charity advertisement for children in need, images of impoverished and suffering children coupled with heart-wrenching stories (anecdotes) are used to evoke feelings of compassion and a desire to help.

Lastly, what is logos in rhetorical analysis, you may ask. It appeals to reason and logic, aiming to persuade the audience through rational argumentation and evidence. This appeal relies on facts, statistics, logical reasoning, and sound arguments to convince the audience of the validity of the message. Strategies for employing logos in rhetorical analysis include:

• Factual Evidence : Providing empirical data, research findings, or expert opinions to support the argument.
• Logical Reasoning : Presenting a well-structured argument with clear premises and conclusions that logically follow one another.
• Counterarguments : Addressing potential counterarguments and refuting them with logical reasoning and evidence.

For instance, in a persuasive essay advocating for environmental conservation, the author might present scientific data on climate change (factual evidence) and use logical reasoning to explain the consequences of inaction.

Text and Context

Text analysis involves closely examining the language, structure, and rhetorical devices employed within the communication. This includes identifying key themes, rhetorical appeals, persuasive strategies, and stylistic elements used by the author or speaker to convey their message.

For example, in a political speech advocating for healthcare reform, text analysis might involve identifying the use of rhetorical appeals such as ethos (e.g., highlighting the speaker's experience in healthcare policy), pathos (e.g., sharing anecdotes of individuals struggling with medical costs), and logos (e.g., presenting statistics on healthcare affordability).

Contextual analysis involves considering the broader social, cultural, and historical factors that shape communication and influence its reception. This includes examining the audience demographics, the political and cultural climate, the historical events surrounding the communication, and any relevant societal norms or values.

For instance, when analyzing a historical speech advocating for civil rights, contextual research paper writers might involve considering the social and political context of the time, including prevailing attitudes towards race, ongoing civil rights movements, and recent legislative developments.

Claims, Supports, and Warrants

A claim is a statement or assertion that the author or speaker is advocating for or seeking to prove. Claims can take various forms, including factual claims (assertions of fact), value claims (judgments about what is good or bad), and policy claims (proposals for action). For example, in an argumentative essay about the importance of exercise, the claim might be that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health.

Supports are the evidence, reasoning, or examples provided to substantiate and strengthen the claims being made. Supports can take many forms, including empirical data, expert testimony, personal anecdotes, logical reasoning, and analogies. The quality and relevance of the supports provided play a critical role in the persuasiveness of the argument.

Continuing with the example of the argumentative essay about exercise, supports might include scientific studies demonstrating the health benefits of physical activity, testimonials from fitness experts, and personal stories of individuals who have experienced positive changes from incorporating exercise into their routine.

Warrants are the underlying assumptions or principles that connect the supports to the claims. They provide the reasoning or justification for why the supports are relevant and valid evidence for supporting the claims. Warrants are often implicit rather than explicit and require careful analysis to uncover. In the context of the essay on exercise, the warrant connecting the supports to the claim might be the assumption that actions that promote good health are inherently valuable and worthy of pursuit.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

Whether you opt for the option to buy essay or start writing it yourself, it's important to use a clear plan to organize your thoughts well. This plan usually includes four main steps, each looking at different parts of your analysis.

Analyzing the Text

Before writing a rhetorical analysis, take the time to thoroughly analyze the text you'll be examining. This means more than just skimming through it; it requires a thorough understanding of its subtleties and complexities. Here are some questions to guide your analysis:

• How does the text try to sway its audience? What methods does it use to convince or influence them?
• Which rhetorical appeals—ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), logos (logic)—does the author use, and how do they contribute to the overall argument?
• What specific rhetorical devices and strategies does the author employ to effectively convey their message? Are there any patterns or recurring motifs?
• How does the structure of the text contribute to its persuasive power or overall impact?
• Are there any cultural, historical, or contextual factors that influence how the text is perceived or understood?

By scrutinizing the text in this manner, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how it functions and the techniques employed by the author to achieve their desired effect.

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your analysis by providing essential context and framing the discussion. Start by introducing the text you're analyzing, including the author's name and the title of the work. Provide some background information to give context to your analysis. For example, if you're analyzing a speech, mention the occasion or event where it was delivered.

Next, summarize the main arguments or claims made by the author. Highlight the rhetorical techniques they use to persuade their audience. Are they appealing to logic, emotion, credibility, or a combination of these? Use specific examples from the text to illustrate these techniques discussed by our dissertation service .

For instance, if you're analyzing a speech on climate change, mention the speaker's expertise in environmental science to establish credibility. Summarize the key points they make about the consequences of inaction and the urgent need for change.

Finally, conclude your introduction with a clear thesis statement. This statement should encapsulate the main argument or purpose of your analysis.

Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraph

The body paragraphs form the crux of your analysis, where you delve into the details of the text and dissect its rhetorical strategies. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the text, such as the use of ethos, pathos, logos, or specific rhetorical devices.

Utilize Aristotle's rhetorical triangle and other key concepts introduced earlier to guide your analysis. Provide quotations or examples from the text to illustrate your points and explain why the author chose certain approaches. Evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in achieving the author's goals and persuading the audience.

For instance, if you're discussing the use of pathos in a marketing campaign, analyze the emotional appeal of the imagery or language used and consider how it resonates with the target audience.

Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion

In the conclusion, it's crucial to reinforce your main arguments and evaluate the author's effectiveness in achieving their goals, whether you're writing an MLA or APA essay format . Reflect on the overall impact of the text on both its immediate audience and society at large, underscoring the importance of your analysis.

Resist the temptation to introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Instead, draw upon the points you've already explored in the body of your essay to strengthen your analysis. Conclude with a poignant statement that resonates with your readers, encapsulating the essence of your interpretation and leaving a lasting impression. This final remark should tie together the threads of your analysis, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding of the text's rhetorical strategies and significance.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

In this section, you'll discover two essay samples that skillfully demonstrate the application of rhetorical analysis. These examples offer insightful insights into the effective use of rhetorical techniques in writing.

5 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Tips

Here are five focused tips that will help you lay a solid foundation for your examination.

• Dissect Rhetorical Strategies : Break down the text to identify specific rhetorical devices such as metaphor, simile, or parallelism.
• Evaluate Tone and Diction : Pay attention to the author's tone and word choice. Analyze how these elements contribute to the overall mood of the text.
• Probe Ethos, Pathos, Logos : Explore how the author establishes credibility (ethos), evokes emotions (pathos), and employs logic (logos) to sway the audience.
• Contextualize Historical Significance : Consider the historical, cultural, and social backdrop against which the text was written.
• Craft a Structured Analysis : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on specific rhetorical elements, and a conclusion that synthesizes your findings.

Final Words

As we near the end, it's important to analyze carefully whether you're examining a speech, an advertisement, or a story. Pay attention to the smart tactics that influence our thinking. It's all about revealing how we communicate and relate to one another. Ultimately, understanding rhetoric offers a fresh perspective on the world beyond just academic success.

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What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

How to structure a rhetorical analysis essay, how to write a rhetorical analysis essay, related articles.

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

A rhetorical analysis essay requires you to write about an author’s writing. In other words, in a rhetorical analysis essay, you write about the way an author uses words to influence or persuade an audience to do or think something.

A rhetorical analysis essay explains how the parts of a text work together to persuade, entertain, or inform an audience.

When writing a rhetorical analysis, you are not writing a summary nor are you writing about whether or not you agree with the argument. Instead, you’re discussing  how  the author makes that argument and whether or not the approach used is successful.

In order to write a coherent and grade-winning rhetorical analysis essay, before you write, you need to make evident to yourself what you know about what you need to analyze (the text that you read and now have to analyze).

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What is Rhetorical Analysis?

Unlike a summary, a rhetorical analysis does not only require a restatement of ideas; instead, you must recognize rhetorical moves that an author is making in an attempt to persuade his or her audience to do or to think something. In the 21st century’s abundance of information, it can sometimes be difficult to discern what is a rhetorical strategy and what is simple manipulation; however, an understanding of rhetoric and rhetorical moves will help you become savvier with the information surrounding you on a day-to-day basis. In other words, rhetorical moves can be a form of manipulation, but if one can recognize those moves, then one can be a more critical consumer of information rather than blindly accepting whatever one reads, sees, hears, etc.

• Rhetoric: The art of persuasion.
• Analysis: Breaking down the whole into pieces for examination.

The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to explain what is happening in the text,  why the author might have chosen to use a particular move or set of rhetorical moves, and how those choices might affect the audience. The text you analyze might be explanatory, although there will be aspects of argument because you must negotiate with what the author is trying to do and what you think the author is doing. Edward P.J. Corbett observes, that rhetorical analysis “is more interested in a literary work for what it does than for what it is.”

One of the elements of doing a rhetorical analysis is looking at a text’s rhetorical situation. The rhetorical situation is the context in which a text is created.

Another element of rhetorical analysis is simply reading and summarizing the text. You have to be able to describe the basics of the author’s thesis and main points before you can begin to analyze it.

A third element of rhetorical analysis requires you to connect the rhetorical situation to the text. You need to go beyond summarizing and look at how the author shapes his or her text based on its context. In developing your reading and analytical skills, allow yourself to think about what you’re reading, to question the text and your responses to it, as you read. Use the following questions to help you to take the text apart—dissect it to see how it works:

• Does the author successfully support the thesis or claim?   Is the point held consistently throughout the text, or does it wander at any point?
• Is the evidence the author used effectively for the intended audience? How might the intended audience respond to the types of evidence that the author used to support the thesis/claim?
• What rhetorical moves do you see the author making to help achieve his or her purpose? Are there word choices or content choices that seem to you to be related to the author’s agenda for the text or that might appeal to the intended audience?
• Describe the tone in the piece. Is it friendly? Authoritative? Does it lecture? Is it biting or sarcastic? Does the author use simple language, or is it full of jargon? Does the language feel positive or negative? Point to aspects of the text that create the tone; spend some time examining these and considering how and why they work.
• Is the author objective, or does he or she try to convince you to have a certain opinion? Why does the author try to persuade you to adopt this viewpoint? If the author is biased, does this interfere with the way you read and understand the text?
• Do you feel like the author knows who you are? Does the text seem to be aimed at readers like you or at a different audience? What assumptions does the author make about their audience? Would most people find these reasonable, acceptable, or accurate?
• Does the text’s flow make sense? Is the line of reasoning logical? Are there any gaps? Are there any spots where you feel the reasoning is flawed in some way?
• Does the author try to appeal to your emotions? Does the author use any controversial words in the headline or the article? Do these affect your reading or your interest?
• Do you believe the author? Do you accept their thoughts and ideas? Why or why not?

Attributions

A Guide to Rhetoric, Genre, and Success in First-Year Writing  by Melanie Gagich & Emilie Zickel is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Delving Into Writing and Rhetoric Copyright © by James Charles Devlin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Rhetorical Analysis Definition and Examples

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Introduction

What is a rhetorical analysis essay a quick overview.

A rhetorical analysis essay is an academic essay writing form. In this essay, the audience evaluates how an author or speaker uses various rhetorical techniques to convey their message and persuade the audience. The primary goal of a rhetorical analysis essay is to analyze how effectively the speaker can leave an impact on the audience.

In a rhetorical analysis essay, you have to dissect a piece of text. It can be a speech, a book, an article, or any other form of communication. You break down the content using rhetorical devices like ethos, pathos, and logos. These devices assess how the choice of words, tone, structure, and persuasive strategies contribute to the overall message.

Rhetorical Strategies: Exploring the Key Concepts

Rhetorical strategies are techniques used to persuade or manipulate an audience through language and communication. Some key concepts include:

Ethos appeals to the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker or source.

It appeals to the emotions and feelings of the audience to evoke sympathy or excitement.

It emphasizes the logic and reason of the argument through evidence, facts, and sound reasoning.

This refers to the opportune moment of an argument, taking into account the context and readiness of the audience.

5. Metaphor

This concept uses figurative language to make a comparison, mostly to clarify or enhance understanding of an argument.

6. Repetition

Sometimes, authors use repeating words or phrases to emphasize a point or to create a rhythmic effect.

7. Rhetorical Questions

Authors ask questions that are not meant to be answered but to provoke thought or engage the audience.

8. Anaphora

Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses for emphasis.

9. Parallelism

Structuring sentences or phrases with similar grammatical structures to create balance and rhythm.

Using language to convey the opposite of its literal meaning. This is mostly used to demonstrate humor or criticism.

11. Hyperbole

This refers to exaggerating a point for better effect. This is often used to emphasize a point or create a vivid image.

12. Analogy

Drawing comparisons between two different things to explain or illustrate a concept.

13. Antithesis

These are contrasting ideas or words within a sentence that highlight their differences.

14. Allusion

Authors sometimes make references to literature, history, or pop culture to add depth and meaning.

15. Syllogism

This is a logical argument consisting of a major, a minor premise, and a conclusion.

These are the key concepts that are often used in persuasive essay topics writing. Our experts can guide you and tell you how and where to use these aspects.

How to Write an Exceptional Rhetorical Analysis Essay: The Real Deal!

Here are the key steps to help you craft an exceptional rhetorical analysis essay:

1. Selecting the Text

Choose a text (speech, article, advertisement, etc.) you want to analyze. It should be rich in rhetoric and provide ample material for analysis.

2. Understanding Rhetoric

Familiarise yourself with the basics of rhetoric. This comprises three key elements –

• Ethos that appeals the credibility
• Pathos, which appeals to emotional appeal
• Logos appealing logical appeal.

These elements form the foundation of your analysis.

3. Reading and Annotating

Carefully read the chosen text multiple times. Annotate the text as you go along, highlighting rhetorical devices, persuasive techniques, and any significant appeals to ethos, pathos, or logos.

4. Identifying Rhetorical Devices

Identify and list the rhetorical devices used in the text. Common devices include metaphors, similes, hyperbole, alliteration, repetition, and parallelism. Note how these devices contribute to the author's argument or message.

5. Understanding Audience

Consider the target audience for the text. Analyze how the author tailors their rhetoric to connect with and persuade this specific audience.

6. Determining the Author's Purpose

Determine the primary purpose of the text. Is the author trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or inspire? Analyze how the author's rhetorical choices align with their purpose.

7. Evaluating Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Examine how the author uses ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade the audience. Identify instances where these appeals are strong or weak and explain their impact.

8. Structural Analysis

Analyze the text's structure. Look at how the author organizes their argument, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

9. Writing the Introduction

Craft a strong introduction for your essay. Provide essential background information about the text and author. Clearly state the text's purpose and your thesis statement.

10. Body Paragraphs

Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific rhetorical element or device you've identified. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence, provide evidence from the text, and analyze how that evidence contributes to the author's argument and engages the audience.

11. Transitions

Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas. Use transition words and phrases to guide the reader through your analysis.

12. Conclusion

Summarise the key points and restate your thesis in the conclusion.

But you cannot submit just yet. You have to proofread the essay thoroughly and make edits wherever required. However, if you don’t have the means or time to do that, ask us. We have the best tools and professionals to help you make the final touches before the submission.

Fun & Interesting Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• The Rhetoric of Stand-Up Comedy: Analysing Comedic Techniques.
• The Persuasive Power of Internet Memes.
• Political Speeches: When Politicians Try to Be Funny.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Late-Night Talk Show Hosts.
• The Art of Satire: Analysing Satirical News Shows.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Laughing All the Way to the Bank.
• Infomercials: The Rhetorical Tricks Behind the Cheesiness.
• The Rhetoric of Commercials: From Super Bowl Ads to Local Spots.
• Analyzing the Use of Humour in Advertising.
• The Language of Social Media Influencers: #InfluencerRhetoric.
• Parody in Popular Culture: From "Weird Al" to SNL.
• Analyzing the Rhetorical Devices in Comedic Literature.
• The Humour of Shakespeare: Analysing His Use of Rhetoric.
• The Stand-Up Comedy of George Carlin: A Rhetorical Analysis.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Internet Trolls.
• The Rhetorical Power of Cartoons and Animated Shows.
• The Art of Irony in Literature and Film.
• The Rhetoric of Self-Deprecating Humor: A Study in Modesty.
• Analyzing the Satirical Elements in "The Onion" Articles.
• The Persuasion of Political Cartoons: Beyond the Laughter.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Social Media Roasts.
• The Use of Sarcasm in Modern Conversation.
• Analyzing the Rhetorical Devices in Late-Night Monologues.
• The Art of Wordplay in Stand-Up Comedy.
• The Rhetoric of Comedic Podcasts: From Scripted to Improv.
• Analyzing the Rhetorical Devices in "The Daily Show."
• The Humor in Advertising Mascots: From Geico's Gecko to the Energizer Bunny.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Viral Internet Challenges.
• The Use of Hyperbole in Humorous Speeches.
• Analyzing the Rhetorical Devices in Classic Sitcoms.

Cool Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Poetry

• Analyze the use of metaphors in Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken."
• Examine the symbolism of the caged bird in Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
• Explore the theme of love and loss in Shakespeare's sonnets.
• Analyze the use of irony in Emily Dickinson's poem "I'm Nobody! Who are you?"
• Examine the role of imagery in Langston Hughes's "Harlem (Dream Deferred)."
• Discuss the use of personification in William Blake's "The Tyger."
• Analyze the structure and rhyme scheme in John Keats's "Ode to a Nightingale."
• Examine the theme of nature in Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself."
• Discuss the use of alliteration in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven."
• Analyze the use of repetition in Allen Ginsberg's "Howl."
• Examine the symbolism of the rose in William Wordsworth's "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey."
• Discuss the use of enjambment in Sylvia Plath's "Daddy."
• Analyze the theme of identity in Langston Hughes's "Theme for English B."
• Examine the use of sensory imagery in T.S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."
• Discuss the role of tone in Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."
• Analyze the use of juxtaposition in William Blake's "The Lamb" and "The Tyger."
• Examine the theme of death in Emily Dickinson's poetry.
• Discuss the use of allegory in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
• Analyze the symbolism of the sea in Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass."
• Examine the use of onomatopoeia in E.E. Cummings's "Buffalo Bill's."
• Discuss the role of satire in Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock."
• Analyze the use of paradox in John Donne's "Death Be Not Proud."
• Examine the theme of time in Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress."
• Discuss the use of irony in W.B. Yeats's "The Second Coming."
• Analyze the structure and rhyme scheme in William Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud."
• Examine the theme of war in Wilfred Owen's poetry.
• Discuss the use of allusion in T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land."
• Analyze the symbolism of the mirror in Sylvia Plath's "Mirror."
• Examine the use of repetition and refrain in Langston Hughes's "A Dream Deferred."
• Discuss the role of perspective and point of view in Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess."

Amazing Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Movies

• Analyze the symbolism in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction."
• Discuss the cinematography techniques in Christopher Nolan's "Inception."
• Discuss the role of music and sound in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey."
• Analyze the use of color in Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
• Examine the character development in Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver."
• Discuss the impact of editing and pacing in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho."
• Analyze the use of metaphor and allegory in "The Matrix" series.
• Examine the cultural commentary in Jordan Peele's "Get Out."
• Discuss the narrative structure in Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon."
• Analyze the use of montage in Sergei Eisenstein's "Battleship Potemkin."
• Examine the portrayal of gender roles in Ridley Scott's "Alien."
• Discuss the social commentary in Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite."
• Analyze the use of visual effects in James Cameron's "Avatar."
• Examine the role of foreshadowing in David Fincher's "Fight Club."
• Discuss the symbolism of the white dress in Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan."
• Analyze the political themes in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing."
• Examine the use of lighting and shadows in Orson Welles's "Citizen Kane."
• Discuss the character archetypes in George Lucas's "Star Wars" franchise.
• Analyze the portrayal of mental illness in Ron Howard's "A Beautiful Mind."
• Examine the use of satire in Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove."
• Discuss the representation of technology in Steven Spielberg's "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."
• Analyze the use of flashbacks in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill."
• Examine the role of costume design in Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette."
• Discuss the ethical dilemmas in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight."
• Analyze the symbolism of the feather in Robert Zemeckis's "Forrest Gump."
• Examine the portrayal of race and identity in Barry Jenkins's "Moonlight."
• Discuss the use of non-linear storytelling in Guy Ritchie's "Snatch."
• Analyze the visual motifs in Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands."
• Examine the role of silence in Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Lobster."
• Discuss the representation of addiction in Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream."

Top Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Popular Speeches

• Analyze the use of metaphor and repetition in "I Have a Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.
• Examine the rhetorical strategies in "A More Perfect Union" by Barack Obama
• Analyze the language Lincoln used to commemorate fallen soldiers in his "The Gettysburg Address"
• Examine Malcolm X's persuasive techniques in "The Ballot or the Bullet"
• Analyze the rhetoric used by Betty Friedan to spark the second-wave feminist movement in "The Feminine Mystique"
• Examine the "Speech to the Troops at Tilbury" by Queen Elizabeth I
• Analyze the persuasive strategies used by Ronald Reagan in his "Tear Down This Wall” speech
• Examine the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai
• Analyze the emotional impact of "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch
• "Ain't I a Woman?" by Sojourner Truth: Examine the powerful rhetorical devices used in this women's rights speech.
• "Remarks on the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." by Robert F. Kennedy: Analyse the emotional appeal and call for unity in this speech.
• Examine the use of personal anecdotes in "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown
• Analyse Churchill's call in his iconic "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech
• Examine the rhetorical devices used in Jobs' "The Stanford Commencement Address"
• "A Whisper of AIDS" by Mary Fisher
• Roosevelt's persuasive language in "The Four Freedoms"
• Analyse "The Man in the Arena" by Theodore Roosevelt
• Examine the use of ethos and pathos in the "Remarks on the Signing of the Voting Rights Act" by Lyndon B. Johnson
• Analyse "The Crisis" speech by Winston Churchill
• Examine the rhetorical devices used in "The Perils of Indifference" by Elie Wiesel
• Analyse Reagan's persuasive arguments in "A Time for Choosing"
• Examine the satirical elements and social critique in "The Paradox of Our Time" by George Carlin
• Analyse "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Examine the rhetorical impact of "The Stanford Rape Victim's Impact Statement" by Chanel Miller
• Analyzing the "Remarks to the Senate" by Margaret Chase Smith
• Examine Churchill's rhetoric in "Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat"
• Analyze the rhetorical style of "The Sermon on the Mount" by Jesus Christ
• Examine Henry David Thoreau's call in "A Plea for Captain John Brown"
• Analyse Douglass's powerful critique in "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"
• Examine the persuasive techniques in "The Youth Climate Strike" by Greta Thunberg

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Non–Fiction

• The Power of Persuasion: Analysing Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech.
• The Impact of Narrative Techniques in Memoirs: A Study of 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls.
• Fact vs. Fiction: Investigating the Line Between Journalism and Creative Non-Fiction.
• The Art of the Personal Essay: Examining E.B. White's 'Once More to the Lake.'
• Environmental Awareness Through Non-Fiction: Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring.'
• The Use of Anecdotes in Malcolm Gladwell's 'Outliers' to Make a Persuasive Argument.
• Cultural Critique in Non-Fiction: George Orwell's '1984' and Its Relevance Today.
• Exploring the Power of Storytelling in Non-Fiction: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'The Danger of a Single Story.'
• The Role of Statistics and Data Visualization in Non-Fiction Writing.
• Evaluating the Ethical Dilemmas in Investigative Journalism: 'All the President's Men' by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.
• Rhetorical Devices in Susan Sontag's 'On Photography' and Their Influence on the Reader.
• The Art of the Profile: Analysing the Style of Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood.'
• The Role of Personal Experience in Non-Fiction Writing: Joan Didion's 'The Year of Magical Thinking.'
• The Impact of Emotional Appeals in Non-Fiction: 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot.
• Science Communication in Non-Fiction: Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos' as a Model.
• The Art of Argumentation in Christopher Hitchens' 'God Is Not Great.'
• Analyzing the Role of Humor in David Sedaris' Essays.
• The Evolution of the Self-Help Genre: From Dale Carnegie to Brené Brown.
• Exploring the Use of Personal Reflection in Non-Fiction: Ta-Nehisi Coates' 'Between the World and Me.'
• The Intersection of Science and Literature: Mary Roach's 'Stiff.'
• The Influence of Historical Context on Non-Fiction Writing: Howard Zinn's 'A People's History of the United States.'
• Environmental Advocacy Through Non-Fiction: Bill McKibben's 'The End of Nature.'
• The Art of Investigative Reporting: 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Speeches: A Focus on Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
• The Role of Personal Identity in Non-Fiction: Roxane Gay's 'Hunger.'
• Gender and Feminism in Non-Fiction: A Study of Roxane Gay's 'Bad Feminist.'
• The Influence of Historical Documents on Contemporary Non-Fiction Writing.
• The Impact of Travel Writing: Paul Theroux's 'The Great Railway Bazaar.'
• Analyzing the Use of Symbolism in Non-Fiction: 'Into the Wild' by Jon Krakauer.
• The Role of Autobiography in Non-Fiction: Maya Angelou's 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.'

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Fiction

• The Symbolism of the 'Green Light' in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.'
• The Role of Foreshadowing in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Tell-Tale Heart.'
• Character Development in J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye.'
• The Use of Irony in Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
• Exploring the Theme of Identity in J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' Series.
• Narrative Structure in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude.'
• Analyzing the Impact of Setting in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies.'
• The Motif of Darkness in Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness.'
• The Symbolism of the Mockingbird in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
• The Role of Allegory in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm.'
• Character Transformation in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice.'
• The Use of Stream of Consciousness in Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway.'
• Exploring the Theme of Alienation in Franz Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis.'
• The Symbolism of the 'Red Room' in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre.'"
• Analyzing the Impact of Dialogue in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible.'
• The Use of Magical Realism in Isabel Allende's 'The House of the Spirits.'
• Character Archetypes in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings.'
• The Role of Time in Kurt Vonnegut's 'Slaughterhouse-Five.'
• Exploring the Theme of Love and Sacrifice in Nicholas Sparks' Novels.
• The Symbolism of the Conch Shell in William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies.'
• The Use of Motif and Imagery in Toni Morrison's 'Beloved.'
• Character Motivation in Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment.'
• The Role of Irony in Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'
• The Symbolism of the 'White Whale' in Herman Melville's 'Moby-Dick.'
• Narrative Perspective in Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale.'
• The Use of Foil Characters in Shakespearean Tragedies.
• Exploring the Theme of War in Erich Maria Remarque's 'All Quiet on the Western Front.'
• Character Conflict and Growth in John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men.'
• The Symbolism of the 'Raven' in Edgar Allan Poe's Poem.
• The Role of Imagery in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.'

Latest Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Social Media Influencers: Strategies, Impact, and Ethics.
• The Use of Visual Rhetoric in Political Campaign Advertisements in the Digital Age.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Climate Change Advocacy Speeches by Greta Thunberg.
• The Role of Memes in Shaping Online Discourse: A Rhetorical Examination.
• The Rhetorical Techniques of Podcast Hosts in Engaging and Persuading Audiences.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Environmental Activism in Contemporary Documentaries.
• The Influence of Rhetorical Appeals in Modern Political Debates and Discourse.
• The Rhetoric of Fake News: Analysing Manipulative Techniques and Their Impact.
• Exploring Rhetorical Strategies in Contemporary Stand-up Comedy.
• Rhetorical Analysis of TED Talks: Persuasion and Storytelling in Public Speaking.
• The Rhetorical Framing of Social Justice Movements in the Media.
• Analyzing the Persuasive Techniques in Modern Advertising: From Super Bowl Commercials to Digital Campaigns.
• The Rhetorical Strategies Used by Activists in the Black Lives Matter Movement.
• The Role of Visual Rhetoric in Environmental Awareness Campaigns.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Celebrity Speeches and Their Influence on Social Issues.
• The Rhetoric of Health and Wellness Influencers: Ethical Considerations.
• Analysing Rhetorical Devices in Contemporary Pop Songs and Music Videos.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Branding and Brand Storytelling in the Fashion Industry.
• The Rhetoric of Online Product Reviews: Persuasion and Consumer Behavior.
• Analyzing the Rhetoric of Political Satire Shows in the Current Political Climate.
• The Use of Rhetorical Appeals in Debates Surrounding Technology Ethics.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Environmental Policy Speeches by World Leaders.
• The Rhetorical Techniques Used in Contemporary Self-Help Literature.
• Analysing Rhetorical Strategies in Online Gaming Communities and Esports.
• The Rhetoric of Crisis Communication: Examining Responses to Global Events.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Anti-vaccine Movement Arguments and Their Impact.
• The Rhetoric of Conspiracy Theories: Persuasion and Disinformation.
• Analyzing the Rhetorical Appeals of Influential Science Communicators.
• Rhetorical Strategies in Contemporary Food and Nutrition Debates.
• The Role of Rhetoric in Shaping Public Opinion on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Why Is Rhetorical Analysis Important?

Rhetorical analysis is important because it helps us in:

1. Critical Thinking

When you analyze rhetoric, it encourages critical reflection thinking. You have to examine the various strategies used to persuade, inform, or entertain. This boosts your critical thinking abilities.

2. Effective Communication

Studying effective rhetoric can improve your own communication skills. It helps you convey ideas more persuasively. You can easily break the ice and be a better communicator in other verticals of life.

3. Media Literacy

It helps individuals discern the quality and intentions of various messages in media, politics, and advertising.

4. Cultural Awareness

Rhetorical analysis reveals cultural values and biases embedded in messages. This is crucial in fostering cultural awareness.

5. Decision Making

Understanding persuasive techniques aids in making informed decisions. Students can easily recognize data and evidence that seems manipulative or biased. Thus, they can filter those out and make informed decisions.

If you still have some queries about how rhetorical analysis essays are important to us, we are just a call away.

How to Analyse Rhetorical Strategies in An Essay or Speech?

Follow this step-by-step guide to analyze rhetorical strategies in an essay or speech –

• Read the Essay
• Identify the Rhetorical Strategies
• Analyse Word Choice
• Examine Sentence Structure and Syntax
• Identify Persuasive Techniques
• Evaluate Organisation
• Consider Audience
• Assess Effectiveness
• Provide Evidence and Examples
• Write Your Analysis

We can help you in all these processes and guide you to correctly analyze any rhetorical essays.

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How to Write a Compelling Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Tips and Techniques

Understanding the rhetorical situation, identify the speaker, analyze the audience, determine the purpose, dissecting the argument, identify the claims, evaluate the evidence, recognize the appeals, analyzing rhetorical devices, figurative language, tone and diction, organization and structure, writing the essay, crafting an introduction, developing body paragraphs, concluding the analysis, proofreading and revising, check for clarity, ensure coherence, polish your style, additional resources, sample rhetorical analysis essays, recommended books, helpful websites.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and techniques, you'll be able to master it in no time. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential steps to creating a compelling rhetorical analysis essay, from understanding the rhetorical situation to polishing your final draft. Get ready to impress your audience with your analytical skills!

Before diving into the analysis, it's important to grasp the rhetorical situation of the piece you're examining. This involves identifying the speaker, analyzing the audience, and determining the purpose of the text. By doing so, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the context in which the author is communicating, which will ultimately strengthen your rhetorical analysis essay.

First, determine who the speaker or author of the text is. This is the person responsible for crafting the argument and presenting it to the audience. Keep in mind that the speaker's background, experiences, and beliefs can influence the way they convey their message. Consider the following aspects:

• Expertise : Is the speaker an expert in the subject matter?
• Reputation : How is the speaker perceived by the audience?
• Personal values : What beliefs or values might the speaker hold that could impact their argument?

Next, consider the audience the speaker is addressing. Understanding who the intended readers or listeners are will help you discern what strategies the speaker employs to persuade them. When analyzing the audience, think about:

• Demographics : What are the age, gender, and cultural background of the target audience?
• Knowledge : What does the audience likely know about the subject matter?
• Attitudes : How might the audience feel about the topic?

Lastly, identify the purpose of the text. Understanding the speaker's goal will help you see how their argument is structured and what techniques they use to achieve that goal. The purpose can be to inform, persuade, or entertain, among other possibilities. Ask yourself:

• What is the main message or argument the speaker wants to convey?
• How does the speaker want the audience to feel or react?
• What outcome does the speaker hope to achieve with their argument?

Now that you have a solid grasp of the rhetorical situation, you're well-prepared to start dissecting the argument and analyzing the various rhetorical devices at play in your rhetorical analysis essay.

With a clear understanding of the rhetorical situation, you're now ready to dive into the heart of the text and dissect the argument itself. This involves identifying the claims the speaker makes, evaluating the evidence they provide, and recognizing the appeals they use to persuade the audience. Let's break down these components to help you create a well-rounded rhetorical analysis essay.

Start by pinpointing the speaker's main claims or assertions in their argument. Claims are the building blocks of the argument and are used to support the overall thesis or purpose. As you read or listen, look for statements that:

• Assert a fact or belief : The speaker presents a statement as true or false.
• Propose a solution : The speaker suggests a course of action to address a problem.
• Express a value judgment : The speaker evaluates something as good or bad, ethical or unethical.

Next, assess the evidence the speaker uses to support their claims. Strong evidence is crucial to a persuasive argument, so evaluating its quality and relevance is a key part of your rhetorical analysis essay. Consider the following questions when examining the evidence:

• Is the evidence relevant and directly related to the claim?
• Does the evidence come from credible and reliable sources?
• Is the evidence sufficient to support the claim, or are there gaps in the argument?

In a rhetorical analysis essay, it's essential to identify the appeals the speaker uses to persuade the audience. There are three main types of appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—that you should be able to recognize:

• Ethos : Appeals to credibility and trustworthiness, often demonstrated by the speaker's expertise or character.
• Pathos : Appeals to emotions and values, often using vivid language and personal anecdotes to evoke a specific feeling in the audience.
• Logos : Appeals to logic and reason, often using facts, statistics, and rational arguments to convince the audience of the validity of the claim.

By dissecting the argument and understanding its components, you can better analyze the effectiveness of the speaker's strategies in your rhetorical analysis essay.

Beyond the argument itself, a rhetorical analysis essay should also examine the specific rhetorical devices the speaker employs to make their message more persuasive. These devices include figurative language, tone and diction, and organization and structure. Let's explore each of these categories and their significance in the analysis.

Figurative language is a powerful tool speakers use to convey complex ideas and emotions in a more relatable way. Some common forms of figurative language include metaphors, similes, and personification. When analyzing figurative language, consider:

• What images or comparisons does the speaker use?
• How do these images help convey the message or evoke a specific emotion?
• Do the images contribute to the overall effectiveness of the argument?

The speaker's tone and diction—the words they choose and the way they express themselves—can greatly influence the audience's perception of their argument. In your rhetorical analysis essay, pay attention to:

• The tone of the speaker's voice : Is it formal or informal? Serious or humorous? Angry or empathetic?
• The choice of words : Are they simple or complex? Concrete or abstract? Do they evoke specific emotions or values?
• The impact of tone and diction : How do these elements contribute to the overall persuasiveness of the argument?

Lastly, the organization and structure of the text or speech can also play a significant role in the persuasiveness of the argument. When examining this aspect for your rhetorical analysis essay, consider:

• The overall structure : Does the speaker follow a clear and logical progression of ideas? Are there smooth transitions between points?
• The use of examples and anecdotes : Are they well-placed and relevant to the argument? Do they help illustrate the speaker's points effectively?
• The impact of organization and structure : How do these elements contribute to the clarity and persuasiveness of the argument?

By exploring these rhetorical devices, you can gain a deeper understanding of the speaker's strategies and better assess their effectiveness in your rhetorical analysis essay.

Now that you've analyzed the rhetorical situation, dissected the argument, and examined the rhetorical devices, it's time to put it all together and write your rhetorical analysis essay. This section will guide you through crafting an introduction, developing body paragraphs, and concluding the analysis.

The introduction sets the stage for your rhetorical analysis essay. To write an engaging and informative introduction:

• Introduce the text or speech : Mention the title, author or speaker, and the context in which it was delivered.
• Provide a brief summary : Give a concise overview of the main argument and key points.
• State your thesis : Present your central argument or analysis, focusing on the speaker's rhetorical strategies and their effectiveness.

Remember, the introduction should be interesting and engaging, but also clear and concise, to set the tone for the rest of your essay.

Body paragraphs are the heart of your rhetorical analysis essay, where you'll present the evidence and analysis to support your thesis. To create effective body paragraphs:

• Focus on one main idea per paragraph : Each paragraph should discuss a single rhetorical device or aspect of the argument.
• Provide evidence : Use specific examples from the text or speech to support your analysis.
• Analyze the evidence : Explain how the examples demonstrate the speaker's rhetorical strategies and their effectiveness.
• Transition smoothly : Use clear transitions between paragraphs to maintain a logical flow throughout your essay.

By following these guidelines, you can create well-structured and cohesive body paragraphs that effectively support your thesis.

The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader and wrap up your rhetorical analysis essay. To write a strong conclusion:

• Restate your thesis : Briefly rephrase your central argument, showing how you've proven it through your analysis.
• Summarize your main points : Recap the key aspects of the argument and the rhetorical devices you've discussed.
• End with a broader implication : Explain the overall significance of the speaker's rhetorical strategies, and how they contribute to the audience's understanding or reaction to the argument.

By crafting a compelling conclusion, you'll leave your reader with a clear understanding of the speaker's rhetorical techniques and their impact on the argument.

Once you've written your rhetorical analysis essay, it's important to proofread and revise it to ensure clarity, coherence, and polish. This section will provide you with some tips on how to improve your essay during the revision process.

Make sure your essay is easy to read and understand. To check for clarity:

• Read your essay out loud : This can help you catch awkward phrasing, confusing sentences, or repetitive wording.
• Ensure your thesis is clear and concise : Your thesis should be easily identifiable and clearly state your main argument.
• Explain rhetorical terms and concepts : If you've used specific rhetorical terms, make sure you've provided clear definitions or explanations for your reader.

By checking for clarity, you'll ensure that your essay is easy to follow and effectively communicates your analysis.

Your essay should have a logical flow and be well-organized. To ensure coherence:

• Use transitions between paragraphs : Connect your ideas with clear and smooth transitions to maintain a logical flow throughout your essay.
• Follow a logical structure : Organize your essay in a way that presents your analysis in a clear and accessible manner.
• Stay focused on your thesis : Make sure each paragraph relates back to your central argument and contributes to proving it.

By ensuring coherence, you'll create an essay that is easy to follow and maintains a strong connection between your analysis and your thesis.

Finally, make sure your essay is well-written and free of errors. To polish your style:

• Check for grammar and punctuation errors : Use a grammar checker or carefully proofread your essay to catch any mistakes.
• Vary your sentence structure : Use a mix of short and long sentences, as well as different sentence structures, for a more engaging and dynamic writing style.
• Choose precise and concise language : Use specific and clear wording to effectively convey your analysis.

By polishing your style, you'll create a professional and polished essay that showcases your rhetorical analysis skills and impresses your reader.

Beyond the tips and techniques provided in this blog, there are many additional resources available to help you further develop your rhetorical analysis essay writing skills. Let's explore some of these resources, including sample essays, books, and helpful websites.

Reading sample rhetorical analysis essays can be a great way to learn more about the structure, style, and techniques employed in this type of essay. Look for samples from reputable sources, such as:

• College writing centers : Many college and university writing centers offer sample essays to help students understand different types of assignments.
• Writing guidebooks : Books on essay writing often include sample essays, which can be a valuable resource for learning how to craft a rhetorical analysis essay.
• Online writing communities : Websites and forums dedicated to writing can be a treasure trove of sample essays and constructive feedback from other writers.

By reviewing sample essays, you can gain a better understanding of what makes a successful rhetorical analysis essay and improve your own writing in the process.

There are several books available that can help you learn more about rhetorical analysis and improve your essay writing skills. Some recommended titles include:

• "The Elements of Rhetoric" by Ryan Weber : This book provides a comprehensive overview of rhetorical concepts and techniques, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their rhetorical analysis essay writing.
• "Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace" by Joseph M. Williams and Joseph Bizup : This book offers guidance on writing with clarity and style, which can be particularly useful when crafting a rhetorical analysis essay.
• "They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing" by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein : This book provides practical advice on effectively structuring your essay and making persuasive arguments, both of which are crucial skills for a successful rhetorical analysis essay.

By studying these books, you can deepen your understanding of rhetorical analysis and hone your essay writing skills.

There are numerous websites that offer helpful resources for improving your rhetorical analysis essay writing skills. Some examples include:

• OWL at Purdue : Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL) offers a wealth of information on essay writing, including guides to rhetorical analysis, grammar, and style.
• The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill : This website offers a variety of resources, including guides on rhetorical analysis, essay organization, and style.
• Grammarly : While not specifically focused on rhetorical analysis, Grammarly offers a powerful grammar and style checker that can help you polish your essay and avoid common mistakes.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can continue to develop your rhetorical analysis essay writing skills and create compelling, high-quality essays.

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Are you having trouble thinking of rhetorical analysis topics to explore? Selecting a title for such an essay is an excellent place to start. Afterward, proceed to introduction, body, and then conclusion. In this section, we have compiled a short list of greatest topics for rhetorical analysis to help you improve your grades. Through the catalog, you will discover how to create best topics for rhetorical analysis essay about a worthwhile issue. Need professional essay help online ? Visit StudyCrumb! Simply share your instructions and get your rhetorical analysis or any other essay completed by a pro.

What Are Rhetorical Analysis Topics?

Rhetorical analysis essay topics refer to the subject matter in which researchers examine how different parts of a work produce a specific effect on the reader. They then develop an argument and find compelling evidence to support their opinion. Such topics focus on a particular work of literature, discourse, or art. Unlike a literary analysis ,  rhetorical analysis paper topics are intended to analyze works from a rhetorical standpoint. Thus, the tricks used to convince readers are assessed. Rhetorical analysis ideas and topics are designed to evaluate students' reasoning ability for close attention to detail. Given this, you should dissect literary work into its elements and assess the author's effective strategies.

Characteristics of Good Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Pick a subject that interests you when selecting topics for analysis. Additionally, it requires adequate information to be used in research. What are good rhetorical analysis topics ? This is one of the questions that students keep asking themselves. Below is a listing of characteristics of good topics for rhetorical analysis. The subject matter must consider the scenario's target audience, goal, and background.

• It should be broad with plenty of information.
• A good topic ought to be fascinating. That is to say, it should capture reader’s attention.
• It must also give an excellent choice for research.

How to Choose a Rhetorical Analysis Topic?

An exciting rhetorical analysis essay topic is the first element in any writing that aims to pique the reader's curiosity. All writers strive to ensure their work is professional and appealing to the audience. Furthermore, the titles must be engaging to make your essay solid. Since finding subjects that are compelling and fascinating might be problematic, here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding on good rhetorical analysis essay topics.

• Pick a subject that appeals to you. Before composing an analysis paper, choose a topic that interests you. Moreover, make sure there is room for research.
• Consider your understanding of the topic. Selecting familiar rhetorical essay topics will be helpful in your writing. Remember to reveal your understanding of the author's writing technique when conducting the review.
• Carry out background research. Make a list of subjects that catch your attention. After that, whittle down the selection and choose an ideal topic. You can achieve this by investigating the information that is already accessible on it.
• Seek help from your instructor. Ask your lecturer for assistance if you are still unsure of the subject. Compile a list of appropriate rhetorical analysis topics to make it easy for the educator.

Best Rhetorical Analysis Topics List

The best rhetorical analysis topics are pertinent to tasks and have sufficient information for use. When handling these essays, choose an engaging subject to make the assignment more doable. Topics for study are not limited to speeches from notable presidents or popular poems. Investigate these interesting rhetorical analysis essay ideas related to cinema, artwork, prompt, and current affairs.

• Justification of vengeance in The Odyssey .
• The meaning underlying Mona Lisa’s smile.
• Literary techniques used in The Chronicles of Narnia .
• The primary theme in Winston Churchill's We Shall Fight on the Beaches .
• How stylistic tactics affect a reader's impression of non-fiction material.
• Purpose of literary devices in Oscar Wilde 's works.
• How a creative topic and storyline might make a blockbuster.
• What was the main point in president Trump's speech?
• How to tell if a play uses the right rhetorical tactics.
• What prevents speeches from garnering bigger crowds?

Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Perhaps you are seeking good topics to write rhetorical analysis on for your academic article. Good topics for rhetorical analysis essay are listed here.

• How the use of casual and formal language influences speech.
• Different rhetorical techniques used by Classical and Rogerian authors.
• How preconceptions might limit successful application of rhetorical techniques.
• Significance of abstract images within classical literature.
• How literary works communicate information via words, expressions, and concepts.
• Slavery, as discussed in Beloved by Toni Morrison.
• What do Pepsi's logo colors symbolize?
• How President Joe Biden utilized alliteration in his speech on democracy.
• Linguistic trends in William Shakespeare's publications.
• How former president Barack Obama applied logos, pathos, and ethos in his farewell speech.
• A comprehensive rhetorical analysis of The Odyssey .
• How to use stylistic techniques in a way that can foresee the audience's response.
• Visual components of Hollywood filmmaking.
• A criticism of the hyperbole of how innovation has affected culture.
• Analysis of president Joe Biden's speech on democracy.

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Easy Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Do you wish to focus on easy rhetorical analysis topics? If so, you will discover some of the most effective suggestions in this paragraph. These subjects are easy to write about since information is readily available on the web. Nevertheless, you must be prepared to devote time and resources to studying and composing your easy rhetorical analysis essay topics.

• How the American national anthem employs literary techniques.
• TED's presentations and how they embrace rhetorical devices to entice viewers.
• How writers approach themes of ethnicity and discrimination in their writing.
• Differences between employment of stylistic elements in historical and contemporary cultures.
• How linguistic strategies are used in religious books.
• The difficulty of captivating an audience to a monologue.
• Various rhetorical strategies that media presenters employ.
• How can rhetorical depth of any discourse be identified?
• How various authors handle heroism topics when it comes to their writing.
• The significance of symbolism with regards to literature.
• How Michael Scott applies rhetorical techniques.
• R&B songwriting strategies.
• Advertiser-selected terminologies on billboards and posters.
• Creative methods used in the renowned portrait of Mona Lisa .
• Rhetoric elements used in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Excellent Topics for Rhetorical Analysis

If you wish to focus on excellent rhetorical essay topics, below are a few you can select from. You only need to decide which rhetorical topics for essays to use.

• How successful was Barack Obama’s speech during his presidency?
• Use of stylistic devices in Nike’s Just Do It ad.
• How does education stifle creative thinking?
• A speech or piece that uses oratorical tactics.
• How authors characterize heroism.
• Rhetorical analysis of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
• The effect of rhetorical techniques on reader’s comprehension of a non-fiction story.
• Brand identity and emotional appeal of Monster drink.
• Impact of President Trump's tweets.
• Literary devices utilized in eulogy speeches.
• Relationship between racial discrimination and sexism in America.
• Pepsi's marketing ideas.
• A billboard that got your attention.
• A rhetorical review of President Trump's tweets.

Did you spot a fitting topic? Now it’s time to see how to write a rhetorical analysis essay . 

Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Visual rhetorical analysis topic ideas might help readers recollect your paper. Consider the author's objective and demographics of the intended audience, as it will aid you in conducting complete research. The visual rhetoric essay topics suggestions below can help you achieve that aim.

• Effects of soundtracks on movies.
• Newspaper covers using rhetoric aspects.
• How innovative advertising employs symbols.
• Rhetorical evaluation of exhibits in art galleries.
• How slow motion affects films.
• Use of symbolism in Avatar .
• William Shakespeare's best poems.
• How Black Panther utilizes symbolism.
• Use of arts in The Square .
• How TV commercials employ texts.
• Author's utilization of personification in Bluebird by Charles Bukowski.
• Usage of audio, music, and narrative in presentations.
• How does John Curran utilize imagery in The Painted Veil .
• Ways in which Michael Lewis uses cinematography and soundtracks in The Blind Side .
• How Jurassic Park transformed special effects.

Need more rhetorical topics? Give our Essay Title Creator a shot!

Controversial Topics for Rhetorical Analysis

If you consider debate intriguing, this part includes the best suggestions for rhetorical topics for essay. When composing scholarly articles, these rhetorical analysis topics are outstanding. Just do some research on the piece carefully and comprehend the debate.

• Use of stereotypes and racial tropes in films.
• Representation of science and technology in science fiction.
• Religion and spirituality in Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life.
• The portrayal of mental health issues in popular culture.
• Violence and its impact on society in Avatar.
• Propaganda in the Triumph of the Will .
• The Notebook and its illustration of love and friendships.
• Schindler’s List and how it explains the Holocaust.
• Dark humor as used in Catch-22 .
• Police brutality and racial injustice in Copwatch .
• Immigration and border control in A Better Life .
• Rhetorical techniques affect how a reader interprets a non-fiction story.
• Plot twist in The Titanic .
• Is there something about William Shakespeare's writing style that really appeals to you?
• How does the audience's impression of the story be affected by the author's credibility?

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Ideas for Students

The success of all academic writing depends on utilizing rhetorical analysis ideas efficiently. This is because the foundation of everything undertaken within schools is to influence thought patterns through speech application. Since language is typically hypnotic, it aims to educate. It is uncommon for students to avoid writing research papers on rhetorical analysis, as they appear as projects, articles, and term papers. Here are a few essay propositions for high school and university learners.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for High School Students

Topics for a rhetorical analysis essay are many. If you are a secondary school student having problems deciding on rhetorical analysis topics to select from, you are in the right place. Here are 15 essay topics for high school.

• Use of metaphor in a speech from your school director on graduation day.
• Main themes used in Alice in Wonderland .
• Rhetorical devices used in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin .
• How Arthur Miller uses foreshadowing in Death of a Salesman .
• Literary elements used in An Enemy of the People .
• Central concepts within William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
• Theme of social class in The Canterbury Tales .
• Power of tradition as illustrated in The Lottery.
• Fundamental concepts of Jordan Peele's Get Out .
• Literary elements used in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
• How Virginia Woolf utilizes the stream-of-consciousness tactic in The Waves .
• How analogy is used in the inauguration speech of my math teacher.
• Guilt and justice as discussed in And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.
• Synopsis of The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola.
• Major theme in Gone With The Wind .

 Rhetorical Analysis Topics for College Students

College students can choose from a wide range of rhetoric research paper topics. They will greatly gain from these analysis paper ideas in the last year of school. Below are essential topics that college learners can select for their essays.

• How solitude is demonstrated within works of literature.
• Poetic devices in performances and poems.
• How does rhetoric function in websites and other digital writing?
• Methods that can be used to evaluate a scene from a popular film.
• Main themes in The Matrix .
• Strength of speech writing in Barack Obama's speeches.
• Michael Scott's primary writing techniques.
• A movie that had a massive impact on your life.
• A significant political discourse that is still discussed today.
• How Rick Bragg uses comedy in his article The Guiltless Pleasure .
• What justifications does David Grann make in The Mark of a Masterpiece ?
• Stylistic devices used in The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
• How using literary techniques has been streamlined thanks to technology.
• What elements are commonly found in acceptance speeches?
• How evangelists utilize rhetoric to engage their audiences.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics in Different Fields

There are many distinct and good topics to write a rhetorical analysis on. It is improbable that one could ever run out of ideas for them when writing any paper. Aside from the topics mentioned above, numerous other fields, for instance, speeches and fiction work, can be explored. Arts are the primary focus of the bulk of these rhetorical subjects. In addition, there are many resources to choose your topics for rhetorical analysis. This section provides examples of other fields that can be traversed.

Rhetorical Analysis Speech Topics

There have been many famous speeches throughout history. To analyze one, you need to consider different aspects of rhetoric topics. For example, the speaker's goals, the speech's historical text, and viewer's aspirations. Here are a handful of topics that can be explored for rhetorical analysis of a speech .

• Quit India speech by Mahatma Gandhi.
• How President Donald Trump utilized personification in his final speech.
• Figures of speech that Richard Nixon employed in his resignation speech.
• President Biden 's remarks on transgender issues.
• Malala Yousafzai's acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Dark and vengeful undertones in William Blake's A Poison Tree .
• How to get people to pay attention to Franklin Roosevelt's inaugural speech.
• The majority of TED speeches use rhetorical tactics.
• Literary devices used within the speech from Finding Forrester .
• Discursive strategies used in Jack Ma's inspiring speech.
• Tones used in Theodore Roosevelt's Duties of American citizenship .
• Rhetorical devices utilized in JF. Kennedy's inauguration speech.
• What were the goals of Ronald Reagan's Speech in Address to the Nation on the Challenger ?
• Oprah's appraisal of Golden Globes' discourse.
• How does Sam Bern’s outlook on life affect his ability to communicate in My Philosophy for a Happy Life ?

Rhetorical Analysis Ideas on Movies

Do you enjoy watching movies? Has your teacher given you freedom to select them as one of the rhetorical analysis essay ideas? If yes, you can look into some of the points on this list, which provide rhetorical analysis article ideas. In certain films, an individual makes a speech that everybody remembers. Whatever the case, taking observations is necessary for performing rhetorical assessment of movies discourse.

• Black Panther’s application of literary devices.
• How the film's author employs a rhetorical tactic in How To Train Your Dragon .
• Salvatore Corsitta's remarks from The Godfather .
• Use of imagery by Zack Snyder.
• The Hunger Games’ use of figurative language.
• Rhetorical devices used in Pursuit of Happiness .
• Theme of hope in The Ultimate Gift .
• The movie Get Out racial theme.
• Moral standards as depicted in Gone Baby Gone .
• How racism led to different issues in A Soldier's Story .
• Concept of posttraumatic stress disorder as illustrated in Fearless movie .
• Lessons from Life of a King movie.
• Ethical behaviors as encapsulated by Charles Ferguson.
• Main themes of Mind, Body, and Soul .
• Power theme in My Kingdom .

Poetry Topics for Rhetorical Analysis

A plethora of topics to write a rhetorical analysis on is available online, and poem is among the unique subjects that can be explored. To analyze poetry, you need to consider the speaker, rhyme’s meaning, and structure. The following are distinct rhetorical analysis paper topics that students can use.

• Primary metaphors used by Sylvia Plath .
• Theme of rage and evil in A Poison Tree .
• Primary rhetorical strategies employed by W.H.Auden.
• How personification is used in Bluebird.
• Concept of nature in Mary Oliver's Fall .
• Function of contrast in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings .
• Role of street jargon as illustrated by Langstone Hughes.
• Stylistic elements used by Jane Kenyon.
• Poetic devices used in Disillusionment of Ten O'clock .
• Primary theme in Love Song .
• How the author employed poetic devices in Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night .
• Self-acceptance as illustrated in Phenomenal Woman .
• Characteristics of the speaker as explained by Claude McKay.
• Illustration of love in A Red, Red Rose .
• Artistic devices used by William Shakespeare in Venus and Adonis .

Literature Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Are you searching for rhetorical analysis essay topics that will make your instructor smile? If that is the case, here are some fantastic ideas for rhetorical analysis.

• Early literature from the 17th century.
• Faith and religion in the Quran.
• How to tell if a drama employs correct figures of speech.
• An in-depth review of rhetorical tactics used in France and Europe.
• Techniques used in Michelle Obama's Our Diversity Makes Us Who We Are .
• Literary tactics used by Melania Trump in her farewell address as the first lady.
• Textual analysis of A Lover's Complaint by William Shakespeare.
• Theme of misogyny in Hamlet .
• Central message in Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
• Impact of heroes' personal lives on the society in Oedipus and contemporary America.
• Myth's influence on culture as explained in Adam and Eve’s story.
• Metaphors used in the legendary speech made by Martin Luther.
• What figurative language stands out in The Pearl Harbor Address ?
• Humanity vs. Nature in Their Eyes Were Watching God .
• Justice in Scott Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby .

Rhetorical Analysis Topics on Fiction

Like all rhetorical topics, fiction has a point it wants to convey. You might consider how you reacted to the fiction content as a reader. Therefore, if you enjoy reading or watching fictional characters, feel free to choose any rhetorical analysis essay topic below.

• One Hundred Years of Solitude's elitist theme.
• Central themes in Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer .
• How The Alchemist presents character growth.
• How Erin Morgenstern created varied personalities in The Night Circus .
• Behavior as illustrated by Jesse Stuart.
• How Code Name Verity delivers its message of friendship.
• Depiction of war in Men At Arms .
• Significance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• How relevant is Macbeth in the modern era?
• What linguistic techniques does Ayn Rand use?
• What distinguishes A Room of One's Own from other books?
• Major themes in To Kill a Mockingbird.
• Mysterious language as used by Beatriz Williams.
• How The Lord of the Flies explores conflict between civilization and barbarism.
• Writing styles used in The Midnight Library .

Non-Fictional Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Non-fiction works are those that are fact-based. When analyzing them, examine the environmental components surrounding rhetorical analysis paper topics. If you enjoy non-fictional topics for a rhetorical analysis, consider using these ideas.

• Rhetorical techniques in Cold Blood .
• What was the plot in Charlie Chaplin's speech from The Great Dictator ?
• Use of allegory in Avengers: Endgame .
• Traveling Mercies ' rhetoric techniques.
• How Someday Maybe utilizes personification.
• Theme of racism in Absolute Beginners .
• How Ron Chernow explores the concept of triumph in Alexander Hamilton .
• Stylistic elements in Out of Africa .
• John Hersey's linguistic interpretation of the suffering in Hiroshima .
• Themes explored in the Sermons .
• Religious beliefs according to The Ethics of Belief by William Kingdom.
• How Mohsin Hamid explores themes of love and turmoil in Exit West .
• Stylistic techniques in A Brief History of Time .
• What motivates bibliophiles to read Beloved?
• Theme of fanaticism in Fever Pitch .

Rhetorical Analysis Topics About Advertisements

The main goal of any advertisement is to convince the audience. Therefore, a successful campaign forges a bond between the client and the product. When exploring rhetorical analysis essay topics, consider the general appeal of the advertisement. Additionally, take into account the target audience and rhetorical techniques. You can choose rhetorical analysis topic ideas from this list.

• Examples of innovative and powerful advertising.
• BluBlocker Sunglasses marketing campaign.
• Advertising's ability to reach a particular audience.
• Impact of advertising on brand recognition.
• Effectiveness of Coca-Cola’s share a coke advertisements of 2018.
• Central idea behind Red Bull's Giving Life to the Night ad.
• How effective is Apple's Think Different ad.
• Was Toyota Moving Forward campaign a success?
• Success behind Disney's The happiest place on Earth tagline.
• How does Samsung advertise products?
• How are rhetorical tactics used in television advertising?
• Effectiveness of Pepsi's video campaigns.
• Use of logos, ethos, and pathos in MacBook commercials.
• How do advertisers choose the language that appears on billboards and posters?
• History of Fanta's effective utilization of advertising.

>> Read more: Marketing Topics for Research

Bottom Line on Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Many of you ask a common question: "what is a good topic for a rhetorical analysis essay?" Feel inclined to utilize any rhetorical analysis topics highlighted in this blog article to write a top-notch essay.   Hopefully, you have found a suitable topic. Feel free to browse our blog for more analytical essay topics and writing tips. From process analysis essay topics to critical analysis essay writing suggestions, we have a bunch of useful guides for students. 

If you need assistance with rhetorical analysis article topics or have no idea how to create such essays, get in touch with us. We have a group of qualified academic scholars who can provide essay writing assistance on top subjects for rhetorical analysis papers.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Rhetorical Analysis Sample Essay

Harriet Clark

Ms. Rebecca Winter

13 Feb. 2015

Not Quite a Clean Sweep: Rhetorical Strategies in

Grose's "Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier”

A woman’s work is never done: many American women grow up with this saying and feel it to be true. 1 One such woman, author Jessica Grose, wrote “Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier,” published in 2013 in the New Republic, 2 and she argues that while the men recently started taking on more of the childcare and cooking, cleaning still falls unfairly on women. 3 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. 4

In her article, Grose first sets the stage by describing a specific scenario of house-cleaning with her husband after being shut in during Hurricane Sandy, and then she outlines the uneven distribution of cleaning work in her marriage and draws a comparison to the larger feminist issue of who does the cleaning in a relationship. Grose continues by discussing some of the reasons that men do not contribute to cleaning: the praise for a clean house goes to the woman; advertising and media praise men’s cooking and childcare, but not cleaning; and lastly, it is just not fun. Possible solutions to the problem, Grose suggests, include making a chart of who does which chores, dividing up tasks based on skill and ability, accepting a dirtier home, and making cleaning more fun with gadgets. 5

Throughout her piece, Grose uses many strong sources that strengthen her credibility and appeal to ethos, as well as build her argument. 6 These sources include, “sociologists Judith Treas and Tsui-o Tai,” “a 2008 study from the University of New Hampshire,” and “P&G North America Fabric Care Brand Manager, Matthew Krehbiel” (qtd. in Grose). 7 Citing these sources boosts Grose’s credibility by showing that she has done her homework and has provided facts and statistics, as well as expert opinions to support her claim. She also uses personal examples from her own home life to introduce and support the issue, which shows that she has a personal stake in and first-hand experience with the problem. 8

Adding to her ethos appeals, Grose uses strong appeals to logos, with many facts and statistics and logical progressions of ideas. 9 She points out facts about her marriage and the distribution of household chores: “My husband and I both work. We split midnight baby feedings ...but ... he will admit that he’s never cleaned the bathroom, that I do the dishes nine times out of ten, and that he barely knows how the washer and dryer work in the apartment we’ve lived in for over eight months.” 10 These facts introduce and support the idea that Grose does more household chores than her husband. Grose continues with many statistics:

[A]bout 55 percent of American mothers employed full time do some housework on an average day, while only 18 percent of employed fathers do. ... [W]orking women with children are still doing a week and a half more of “second shift” work each year than their male partners. ... Even in the famously gender-neutral Sweden, women do 45 minutes more housework a day than their male partners. 11

These statistics are a few of many that logically support her claim that it is a substantial and real problem that men do not do their fair share of the chores. The details and numbers build an appeal to logos and impress upon the reader that this is a problem worth discussing. 12

Along with strong logos appeals, Grose effectively makes appeals to pathos in the beginning and middle sections. 13 Her introduction is full of emotionally-charged words and phrases that create a sympathetic image; Grose notes that she “was eight months pregnant” and her husband found it difficult to “fight with a massively pregnant person.” 14 The image she evokes of the challenges and vulnerabilities of being so pregnant, as well as the high emotions a woman feels at that time effectively introduce the argument and its seriousness. Her goal is to make the reader feel sympathy for her. Adding to this idea are words and phrases such as, “insisted,” “argued,” “not fun,” “sucks” “headachey,” “be judged,” “be shunned” (Grose). All of these words evoke negative emotions about cleaning, which makes the reader sympathize with women who feel “judged” and shunned”—very negative feelings. Another feeling Grose reinforces with her word choice is the concept of fairness: “fair share,” “a week and a half more of ‘second shift’ work,” “more housework,” “more gendered and less frequent.” These words help establish the unfairness that exists when women do all of the cleaning, and they are an appeal to pathos, or the readers’ feelings of frustration and anger with injustice. 15

However, the end of the article lacks the same level of effectiveness in the appeals to ethos. 16 For example, Grose notes that when men do housework, they are considered to be “’enacting “small instances of gender heroism,” or ‘SIGH’s’—which, barf.” 17 The usage of the word “barf” is jarring to the reader; unprofessional and immature, it is a shift from the researched, intelligent voice she has established and the reader is less likely to take the author seriously. This damages the strength of her credibility and her argument. 18

Additionally, her last statement in the article refers to her husband in a way that weakens the argument. 19 While returning to the introduction’s hook in the conclusion is a frequently-used strategy, Grose chooses to return to her discussion of her husband in a humorous way: Grose discusses solutions, and says there is “a huge, untapped market ... for toilet-scrubbing iPods. I bet my husband would buy one.” 20 Returning to her own marriage and husband is an appeal to ethos or personal credibility, and while that works well in the introduction, in the conclusion, it lacks the strength and seriousness that the topic deserves and was given earlier in the article. 21

Though Grose begins the essay by effectively persuading her readers of the unfair distribution of home-maintenance cleaning labor, she loses her power in the end, where she most needs to drive home her argument. Readers can see the problem exists in both her marriage and throughout the world; however, her shift to humor and sarcasm makes the reader not take the problem as seriously in the end. 22 Grose could have more seriously driven home the point that a woman’s work could be done: by a man. 23

Works Cited

Grose, Jessica. “Cleaning: The Final Feminist Frontier.” New Republic. The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2013. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.

• Article author's claim or purpose
• Summary of the article's main point in the second paragraph (could also be in the introduction)
• Third paragraph begins with a transition and topic sentence that reflects the first topic in the thesis
• Quotes illustrate how the author uses appeals to ethos
• Analysis explains how the quotes show the effective use of ethos as noted in the thesis
• Transition and topic sentence about the second point from the thesis
• Quote that illustrates appeals to logos
• Analysis explains how the quotes show the effective use of logos, as noted in the thesis
• Transition and topic sentence about the third point from the thesis
• Quotes that illustrate appeals to pathos
• Analysis explains how the quotes show the effective use of pathos, as noted in the thesis
• Transition and topic sentence about fourth point from the thesis
• Quote illustrates how the author uses appeal to ethos
• Analysis explains how quote supports thesis
• Transition and topic sentence about fourth point from thesis
• Conclusion returns to the ideas in the thesis and further develops them
• Last sentence returns to the hook in the introduction

Learn more about the " Rhetorical Analysis Graphic Organizer ."

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example - Free Samples

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay - A Complete Guide With Examples

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics – 120+ Unique Ideas

Crafting an Effective Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline - Free Samples!

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos - Structure, Usage & Examples

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay for academics can be really demanding for students. This type of paper requires high-level analyzing abilities and professional writing skills to be drafted effectively.

As this essay persuades the audience, it is essential to know how to take a strong stance and develop a thesis. 

This article will find some examples that will help you with your rhetorical analysis essay writing effortlessly. 

• 1. Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
• 2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2023
• 3. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples for Students 
• 4. Writing a Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay with Example 
• 5. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Tips

Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

The step-by-step writing process of a rhetorical analysis essay is far more complicated than ordinary academic essays. This essay type critically analyzes the rhetorical means used to persuade the audience and their efficiency. 

The example provided below is the best rhetorical analysis essay example:

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Sample

In this essay type, the author uses rhetorical approaches such as ethos, pathos, and logos .  These approaches are then studied and analyzed deeply by the essay writers to weigh their effectiveness in delivering the message.

Let’s take a look at the following example to get a better idea;

The outline and structure of a rhetorical analysis essay are important. 

According to the essay outline, the essay is divided into three sections: 

• Introduction
• Ethos 
• Logos 

A rhetorical analysis essay outline is the same as the traditional one. The different parts of the rhetorical analysis essay are written in the following way:

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction Example

The introductory paragraph of a rhetorical analysis essay is written for the following purpose:

• To provide basic background information about the chosen author and the text.
• Identify the target audience of the essay. 

An introduction for a rhetorical essay is drafted by:

• Stating an opening sentence known as the hook statement. This catchy sentence is prepared to grab the audience’s attention to the paper. 
• After the opening sentence, the background information of the author and the original text are provided. 

For example, a rhetorical analysis essay written by Lee Jennings on“The Right Stuff” by David Suzuki. Lee started the essay by providing the introduction in the following way:

Analysis of the Example: 

• Suzuki stresses the importance of high school education. He prepares his readers for a proposal to make that education as valuable as possible.
• A rhetorical analysis can show how successful Suzuki was in using logos, pathos, and ethos. He had a strong ethos because of his reputation. 
• He also used pathos to appeal to parents and educators. However, his use of logos could have been more successful.
• Here Jennings stated the background information about the text and highlighted the rhetorical techniques used and their effectiveness. 

Thesis Statement Example for Rhetorical Analysis Essay 

A thesis statement of a rhetorical analysis essay is the writer’s stance on the original text. It is the argument that a writer holds and proves it using the evidence from the original text. 

A thesis statement for a rhetorical essay is written by analyzing the following elements of the original text:

• Diction - It refers to the author’s choice of words and the tone
• Imagery - The visual descriptive language that the author used in the content. 
• Simile - The comparison of things and ideas

In Jennings's analysis of “The Right Stuff,” the thesis statement was:

Example For Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statement

Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraph Example 

In the body paragraphs of your rhetorical analysis essay, you dissect the author's work, analyze their use of rhetorical techniques, and provide evidence to support your analysis. 

Let's look at an example that analyzes the use of ethos in David Suzuki's essay:

Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion Example

All the body paragraphs lead the audience towards the conclusion.

For example, the conclusion of “The Right Stuff” is written in the following way by Jennings:

In the conclusion section, Jennings summarized the major points and restated the thesis statement to prove them. 

Rhetorical Essay Example For The Right Stuff by David Suzuki

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang 2023

Writing a rhetorical analysis for the AP Language and Composition course can be challenging. So drafting it correctly is important to earn good grades. 

To make your essay effective and winning, follow the tips provided by professionals below:

Step #1: Understand the Prompt

Understanding the prompt is the first thing to produce an influential rhetorical paper. It is mandatory for this academic writing to read and understand the prompt to know what the task demands from you. 

Step #2: Stick to the Format

The content for the rhetorical analysis should be appropriately organized and structured. For this purpose, a proper outline is drafted. 

The rhetorical analysis essay outline divides all the information into different sections, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion.  The introduction should explicitly state the background information and the thesis statement. 

All the body paragraphs should start with a topic sentence to convey a claim to the readers. Provide a thorough analysis of these claims in the paragraph to support your topic sentence. 

Step #3: Use Rhetorical Elements to Form an Argument 

Analyze the following things in the text to form an argument for your essay:

• Language (tone and words)
• Organizational structure
• Rhetorical Appeals ( ethos, pathos, and logos) 

Once you have analyzed the rhetorical appeals and other devices like imagery and diction, you can form a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement will be the foundation on which your essay will be standing. 

AP Language Rhetorical Essay Sample

AP Rhetorical Analysis Essay Template

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example AP Lang

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples for Students 

Here are a few more examples to help the students write a rhetorical analysis essay:

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Outline

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example College

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example APA Format

Compare and Contrast Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

How to Start Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example High School

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example APA Sample

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example Of a Song

Florence Kelley Speech Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example MLA

Writing a Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay with Example 

The visual rhetorical analysis essay determines how pictures and images communicate messages and persuade the audience. 

Usually, visual rhetorical analysis papers are written for advertisements. This is because they use strong images to convince the audience to behave in a certain way. 

To draft a perfect visual rhetorical analysis essay, follow the tips below:

• Analyze the advertisement deeply and note every minor detail. 
• Notice objects and colors used in the image to gather every detail.
• Determine the importance of the colors and objects and analyze why the advertiser chose the particular picture. 
• See what you feel about the image.
• Consider the objective of the image. Identify the message that the image is portraying. 
• Identify the targeted audience and how they respond to the picture. 

An example is provided below to give students a better idea of the concept. 

Simplicity Breeds Clarity Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Tips

Follow the tips provided below to make your rhetorical writing compelling. 

• Choose an engaging topic for your essay. The rhetorical analysis essay topic should be engaging to grab the reader’s attention.
• Thoroughly read the original text.
• Identify the SOAPSTone. From the text, determine the speaker, occasions, audience, purpose, subject, and tone.
• Develop a thesis statement to state your claim over the text.
• Draft a rhetorical analysis essay outline.
• Write an engaging essay introduction by giving a hook statement and background information. At the end of the introductory paragraph, state the thesis statement.
• The body paragraphs of the rhetorical essay should have a topic sentence. Also, in the paragraph, a thorough analysis should be presented.
• For writing a satisfactory rhetorical essay conclusion, restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points.
• Proofread your essay to check for mistakes in the content. Make your edits before submitting the draft.

Following the tips and the essay's correct writing procedure will guarantee success in your academics. 

We have given you plenty of examples of a rhetorical analysis essay. But if you are still struggling to draft a great rhetorical analysis essay, it is suggested to take a professional’s help.

MyPerfectWords.com can assist you with all your academic assignments. The top essay writer service that we provide is reliable. If you are confused about your writing assignments and have difficulty meeting the deadline, get help from the  legal essay writing service .

Hire our  analytical essay writing service  today at the most reasonable prices. 

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There is no one perfect way to organize a rhetorical analysis essay. In fact, writers should always be a bit leery of plug-in formulas that offer a perfect essay format. Remember, organization itself is not the enemy, only organization without considering the specific demands of your particular writing task. That said, here are some general tips for plotting out the overall form of your essay.

Introduction

Like any rhetorical analysis essay, an essay analyzing a visual document should quickly set the stage for what you’re doing. Try to cover the following concerns in the initial paragraphs:

• Make sure to let the reader know you’re performing a rhetorical analysis. Otherwise, they may expect you to take positions or make an evaluative argument that may not be coming.
• Clearly state what the document under consideration is and possibly give some pertinent background information about its history or development. The intro can be a good place for a quick, narrative summary of the document. The key word here is “quick, for you may be dealing with something large (for example, an entire episode of a cartoon like the Simpsons). Save more in-depth descriptions for your body paragraph analysis.
• If you’re dealing with a smaller document (like a photograph or an advertisement), and copyright allows, the introduction or first page is a good place to integrate it into your page.
• Give a basic run down of the rhetorical situation surrounding the document: the author, the audience, the purpose, the context, etc.

Thesis Statements and Focus

Many authors struggle with thesis statements or controlling ideas in regards to rhetorical analysis essays. There may be a temptation to think that merely announcing the text as a rhetorical analysis is purpose enough. However, especially depending on your essay’s length, your reader may need a more direct and clear statement of your intentions. Below are a few examples.

1. Clearly narrow the focus of what your essay will cover. Ask yourself if one or two design aspects of the document is interesting and complex enough to warrant a full analytical treatment.

The website for Amazon.com provides an excellent example of alignment and proximity to assist its visitors in navigating a potentially large and confusing amount of information.

2. Since visual documents often seek to move people towards a certain action (buying a product, attending an event, expressing a sentiment), an essay may analyze the rhetorical techniques used to accomplish this purpose. The thesis statement should reflect this goal.

The call-out flyer for the Purdue Rowing Team uses a mixture of dynamic imagery and tantalizing promises to create interest in potential, new members.

3. Rhetorical analysis can also easily lead to making original arguments. Performing the analysis may lead you to an argument; or vice versa, you may start with an argument and search for proof that supports it.

A close analysis of the female body images in the July 2007 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine reveals contradictions between the articles’ calls for self-esteem and the advertisements’ unrealistic, beauty demands.

These are merely suggestions. The best measure for what your focus and thesis statement should be the document itself and the demands of your writing situation. Remember that the main thrust of your thesis statement should be on how the document creates meaning and accomplishes its purposes. The OWl has additional information on writing thesis statements.

Analysis Order (Body Paragraphs)

Depending on the genre and size of the document under analysis, there are a number of logical ways to organize your body paragraphs. Below are a few possible options. Which ever you choose, the goal of your body paragraphs is to present parts of the document, give an extended analysis of how that part functions, and suggest how the part ties into a larger point (your thesis statement or goal).

Chronological

This is the most straight-forward approach, but it can also be effective if done for a reason (as opposed to not being able to think of another way). For example, if you are analyzing a photo essay on the web or in a booklet, a chronological treatment allows you to present your insights in the same order that a viewer of the document experiences those images. It is likely that the images have been put in that order and juxtaposed for a reason, so this line of analysis can be easily integrated into the essay.

Be careful using chronological ordering when dealing with a document that contains a narrative (i.e. a television show or music video). Focusing on the chronological could easily lead you to plot summary which is not the point of a rhetorical analysis.

A spatial ordering covers the parts of a document in the order the eye is likely to scan them. This is different than chronological order, for that is dictated by pages or screens where spatial order concerns order amongst a single page or plane. There are no unwavering guidelines for this, but you can use the following general guidelines.

• Left to right and top to down is still the normal reading and scanning pattern for English-speaking countries.
• The eye will naturally look for centers. This may be the technical center of the page or the center of the largest item on the page.
• Lines are often used to provide directions and paths for the eye to follow.
• Research has shown that on web pages, the eye tends to linger in the top left quadrant before moving left to right. Only after spending a considerable amount of time on the top, visible portion of the page will they then scroll down.

Persuasive Appeals

The classic, rhetorical appeals are logos, pathos, and ethos. These concepts roughly correspond to the logic, emotion, and character of the document’s attempt to persuade. You can find more information on these concepts elsewhere on the OWL. Once you understand these devices, you could potentially order your essay by analyzing the document’s use of logos, ethos, and pathos in different sections.

The conclusion of a rhetorical analysis essay may not operate too differently from the conclusion of any other kind of essay. Still, many writers struggle with what a conclusion should or should not do. You can find tips elsewhere on the OWL on writing conclusions. In short, however, you should restate your main ideas and explain why they are important; restate your thesis; and outline further research or work you believe should be completed to further your efforts.

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Visual Rhetorical Analysis

This essay about the influential power of visual rhetoric, exemplified by Shepard Fairey’s “Hope” poster from Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, analyzes its strategic composition and symbolic elements. It highlights how visual rhetoric, through deliberate imagery and symbolism, shapes collective perceptions and inspires action. Beyond mere aesthetics, the essay explores the profound socio-cultural impact of visual communication, emphasizing its role in provoking emotions and fostering shared values. Through this lens, it underscores the importance of understanding visual rhetoric as a vital tool for critical discourse in today’s visually-dominated society.

How it works

In the vast realm of human communication, the potency of language transcends mere verbal or written expression. Visual rhetoric, an artful orchestration of images and symbols, exerts a profound influence on our perceptions, beliefs, and actions. From captivating advertisements to thought-provoking political campaigns, visual rhetoric saturates our daily existence, wielding the power to sway, provoke, and inspire. In this illuminating essay, we embark on a journey of visual rhetorical analysis, delving into its intricate tapestry, deciphering its subtle strategies, and uncovering its profound socio-cultural impact.

Deciphering Visual Rhetoric: Visual rhetoric encompasses the deliberate manipulation of images, symbols, and visual elements to convey messages and elicit responses from audiences. Unlike conventional rhetoric, which relies predominantly on verbal argumentation, visual rhetoric taps into the sensory experience, evoking emotions, values, and instincts. Through careful orchestration of design principles such as composition, color theory, and symbolism, visual rhetoric constructs narratives and shapes collective perceptions.

An Illustrative Case Study: The “Hope” Poster Phenomenon: One emblematic instance of visual rhetoric in action is the renowned “Hope” poster created by artist Shepard Fairey during Barack Obama’s historic 2008 presidential campaign. This iconic artwork features a stylized portrait of Obama, embellished with the word “HOPE” emblazoned in vibrant, captivating colors below his visage. Through this seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful composition, Fairey encapsulates the essence of Obama’s aspirational message, stirring sentiments of optimism, unity, and progress.

Analytical Insights: The effectiveness of the “Hope” poster lies in its astute utilization of visual elements to convey a persuasive narrative. Firstly, Fairey’s deliberate selection of imagery is noteworthy. By portraying Obama in a dignified, almost heroic light, with his gaze fixed resolutely ahead and an aura of determination, Fairey elevates him as a symbol of hope and leadership. The striking contrast of vivid hues, particularly the juxtaposition of warm reds and cool blues, not only commands attention but also reinforces the theme of unity and inclusivity.

Moreover, the strategic placement of the word “HOPE” directly beneath Obama’s image serves as a focal point, accentuating the overarching message of the campaign. Rendered in a bold, sans-serif font, the word exudes a sense of urgency and significance, compelling viewers to internalize its message. Through this visual hierarchy, Fairey ensures that the viewer’s gaze is inexorably drawn to the central theme of hope and renewal.

Furthermore, the poster employs symbolism to resonate with its audience on a deeper level. The stylized portrayal of Obama, reminiscent of iconic propaganda posters and contemporary pop art, taps into collective cultural references and archetypes, imbuing the image with layers of meaning and resonance. Additionally, the word “HOPE” functions not merely as a slogan but as a potent symbol of collective aspiration and possibility, inviting viewers to project their own hopes and dreams onto the image, fostering a sense of emotional connection and shared purpose.

Impact and Legacy: The “Hope” poster swiftly attained iconic status, emblematic of Obama’s transformative campaign and the spirit of optimism it embodied. Its ubiquitous presence across diverse media platforms, from billboards to social media profiles, amplified its reach and influence, cementing its place in political and cultural lore. Beyond its immediate political context, the poster continues to reverberate as a powerful testament to the potential of visual rhetoric in galvanizing social change and inspiring collective action.

Conclusion: In an age dominated by visual stimuli, the language of images assumes paramount significance, shaping our perceptions, beliefs, and identities in profound ways. Through the prism of visual rhetorical analysis, we gain insights into the nuanced strategies employed by artists and communicators to convey messages, provoke emotions, and catalyze social change. As we navigate an increasingly visual landscape, understanding the grammar of visual rhetoric becomes indispensable for discerning meaning, questioning assumptions, and engaging in critical discourse. Just as words wield the power to shape our reality, so too do images, and through the lens of visual rhetorical analysis, we unravel the intricate tapestry of visual communication, illuminating the enduring impact of imagery on our collective consciousness and societal narratives.

Cite this page

Visual Rhetorical Analysis. (2024, Apr 14). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/visual-rhetorical-analysis/

"Visual Rhetorical Analysis." PapersOwl.com , 14 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/visual-rhetorical-analysis/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Visual Rhetorical Analysis . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/visual-rhetorical-analysis/ [Accessed: 19 Apr. 2024]

"Visual Rhetorical Analysis." PapersOwl.com, Apr 14, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/visual-rhetorical-analysis/

"Visual Rhetorical Analysis," PapersOwl.com , 14-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/visual-rhetorical-analysis/. [Accessed: 19-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Visual Rhetorical Analysis . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/visual-rhetorical-analysis/ [Accessed: 19-Apr-2024]

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