Rhetorical Analysis of a Written Argument:
Compose an essay analyzing the effectiveness of a written argument—using the vocabulary from this unit–particularly ethos, pathos, logos, and target audience. Topic choices are below:
This essay should be a minimum of 1200 words—not including title, heading, or Work Cited.
This essay should conform to the expectations of academic writing including:
- The use of formal standard American academic prose (which we discussed in class)
- Typed with 12 pt font, in Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, double-spaced, without the extra spaces between the paragraphs, and with the appropriate heading (Template attached)
- Having an interesting and appropriate title.
- a formal argumentative thesis statement (not implied)
- Example: This speech is effective in its persuasive argument because __________.
- Fully developed paragraphs including an introduction and a conclusion.
IN THE ESSAY YOU SHOULD:
- Have a clear, unified, and specific thesis where you offer your conclusion—whether or not this communication was effective.
- Use a clear organizational strategy (Points from greatest to least or least to greatest works well)
- Use the standard vocabulary we have established in this class (connotation, denotation, ethos, pathos, etc.)
- State your opinion and validate (back it up) with evidence from the speech.
- Cite your evidence using the correct MLA style including in-text citations and a Works Cited page
- Essays will be graded according to the standard BRCC English 102 Rubric.