Composition 102: Rhetorically Analyzing an Argument
The Assignment
Pick from the texts we have analyzed in this unit: Nicholas Carr’s “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” “Get Smarter” by Jamais Cascio, MLK’s “Letters from Birmingham Jail” or Jamaica Kincaid’s “The Ugly Tourist” or any of the last two essays from the Rhetorical Analysis Chapter and write a summary/response and add a rhetorical analysis. Your job is to analyze and critique both the content and style of the artifact. You will discuss how the text is constructed, what rhetorical strategies it employs, and how effectively its argument is supported. This means it is possible that you will agree with the content but find “holes” in the way those arguments are put together, or vice versa.
As you read the text, consider its rhetorical strategies (for example, how is it shaped to appeal to
a conservative or liberal, academic or business community audience? Etc.) and evaluate its
argument (for example, what are the underlying assumptions and beliefs on which the of
argument is based? Is the logic sound? Is the evidence accurate?). In your essay, you should
write about both the strengths and weaknesses of the text.
Helpful Reminders
- Use the information and examples in your Practical Argument handbook to help you write this essay.
- Use all handouts regarding analysis. Definitely employ the three modes of appeals.
- Make sure that you include a clear thesis statement that makes your essay’s main idea and purpose clear to readers.
- Make sure that each paragraph has a logical transition to link it to the paragraph before it.
- Creating an outline as part of your pre-writing process can help you visualize the overall structure of your essay.
- Imagine your audience to be the community college at large: intelligent, commonsensical readers who will expect a high level of detail in your writing and supporting examples for your ideas.
- You may wish to visit the Writing Center to work individually with a tutor.
- Summarize the text (keep the summary short).
- Explain what you think the text’s argument is, and then—more importantly—how
the text attempts to persuade or convince you, i.e. through ethos, pathos, logos, etc.
- Does the author provide good backing evidence, or support (is the artifact persuasive)?
Formatting
Be sure your essay is between 2-3 typed pages. It should be in 12font/Times New Roman.
Grading
Your Essay will be worth 45 points. It will be evaluated on content, organization, structure, support, and grammar.
Quiz on Rhetorical Analysis Readings (10pts):
Tuesday, March 10th.
First Essay Draft for Writing Workshop
Bring a typed rough draft (at least two pages) on Tuesday, March 17th (10pts).
Final Essay Draft for Grading
Tuesday, March 24th is the deadline to submit this essay. An essay submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.