Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Richard Johnson-Sheehan PURDUE UNIVERSITY Charles Paine UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO Chapter 9 Rhetorical Analyses

In this chapter, you’ll learn how to: Invent the content of a rhetorical analysis. Organize and draft your rhetorical analysis. Create a specific style that is descriptive and easy to read. Develop a design with the use of visuals. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultimately, a rhetorical analysis shows why a text was effective or persuasive. Study texts closely to learn how writers and speakers sway others and how you can be more persuasive yourself. Any time you’re asked to analyze a nonfiction text, your approach will be similar to that of any rhetorical analysis. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1.Introduction identifies subject of analysis, states your purpose and thesis, and offers background information on the subject. 2. Explanation of the rhetorical concepts you will use to analyze the subject. 3. Description or summary of your subject that places it in historical context. 4.An analysis of the subject using rhetorical concepts. 5. A conclusion that states or restates your main point (thesis) and looks to the future. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Prepare for writing a rhetorical analysis by closely reading the text you are analyzing. Read it through several more times, making note of important points, or even missed opportunities to make important points. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Inquiring: Highlight Uses of Proofs Reasoning (logos): appealing to readers’ common sense, beliefs, or values. Credibility (ethos): using the reputation, experience, and values of the author or expert to support claims. Emotion (pathos): using feelings, desires, or fears to influence readers. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Becoming familiar with these terms and their meanings will provide you with a convenient way of identifying how a text works to persuade the reader to accept the message of the text. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

After highlighting the proofs in your text, do background research to discover more about the author, the text, and the context in which the work was written and used. Search: Online Sources: search engines, databases. Print Sources: library catalog, article databases. Empirical Sources: in person or interviews with experts. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. CHAPTER 9 Introduction Identify the subject of your analysis and offer historical or other background information. State the purpose of your analysis. State your main point or thesis. Emphasize the importance of the text. Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. CHAPTER 9 Explanation of Rhetorical Concepts For the benefit of your reader, define and explain any rhetorical proofs you will be using. It is not necessary to use all three proofs, unless all three are needed for your particular text. Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. CHAPTER 9 Provide Historical Context Explain the history of your text: Who wrote it or presented it? Who are the intended readers? Where and when did the text appear? Summary In one to five paragraphs, summarize (in your own words) the content of the text. Don’t express your own opinions about the text or its message. Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. CHAPTER 9 Analysis of the text Your task is to interpret the text for your readers. Two Main Ways to Organize This Section 1.Follow the organization of the text you’re analyzing, starting from the beginning and working through to the end of the text. Apply rhetorical concepts to each major section of the text. 2.Discuss the text through the use of one rhetorical concept at a time. Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. CHAPTER 9 Conclusion Answer one or more of the following questions in your 1–2 paragraph conclusion: Ultimately, what does your rhetorical analysis reveal about the text you studied? What does your analysis tell your readers about the rhetorical concept(s) you used to analyze the text? Why is your explanation of the text or the rhetorical concepts important to your readers? What should your readers look for in the future with this kind of text or persuasion strategy? Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rhetorical Analyses can range from light- hearted to highly formal, depending on the target audience. Decide if your writing situation calls for a formal or informal style. Use the following strategies to develop the right style for your essay: CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1.Use enough details to give readers a clear idea of the text, even if they haven’t seen or read it. 2.Minimize use of jargon and difficult words. 3.Improve the flow of your sentences. 4.Pay attention to sentence length. Short, active sentences create good pacing for general audiences. Longer sentences create a slower pace and a more formal presentation. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Consider enhancing your rhetorical analysis with visuals: 1.Download images 2.Add a screenshot 3.Include a link to a podcast CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. An ad critique evaluates an advertisement to show why it was or was not effective, and shows readers why it works. Key features Summarize the ad. Highlight the unique quality that makes the ad stand out. Describe the typical features of similar ads. Show how this ad is different from the others. Include details throughout. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. FIND a text you want to analyze. 2. HIGHLIGHT the uses of logos, ethos, pathos. 3. RESEARCH the context. 4. DRAFT your rhetorical analysis. 5. CHOOSE an appropriate style. 6. DESIGN your rhetorical analysis. 7. REVISE and edit. CHAPTER 9 Copyright © 2016 by Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.