Rhetorical Analysis

There are now three rhetorical analysis handouts instead of one.

Previous version (Microsoft Word document)

Rhetorical Analysis: Pre-Writing

Downloadable version (Microsoft Word document)

This pre-writing handout, based on the old handout, has two parts: the first part contains a series of questions writers can ask themselves about the article's argument to begin analyzing the piece. The second part gives a step-by-step how-to of analysis—it begins with a sample text, models a student brainstorming possible tools, choosing one, asking questions about its effect, and drafting a paragraph about the tool's effectiveness. This handout is useful for students in the early drafting stages of their essays who understand a lot of the reasoning behind the sample essay, but have trouble doing the same things with their own article. It's also a good resource for students who need to do deeper analysis—the list of questions about a tool's effect is a great way to brainstorm more angles to analyze.

Rhetorical Analysis: Writing

Downloadable version (Microsoft Word document)

This handout offers information about logical ways to organize a rhetorical analysis essay and steps that should be covered with each tool or in the introduction/conclusion. This handout is really helpful for students with good ideas who need help organizing their argument or who seem to be missing important elements in their essay. It's also a good tool for revising semi-polished papers.

Rhetorical Analysis: Revision

Downloadable version (Microsoft Word document)

This handout consists of a list of common pitfalls in rhetorical analysis essays and ways to revise for them. This is a great place to look for revision ideas for papers that seem to be doing relatively well and springboard for essays with deeper flaws. It can also be useful to students at the early drafting stages to use as a self-check.