Rhetorical Analysis Essay Assignment 

Prompt: In English 101, you had to write expository essays. A rhetorical analysis is an expository piece of writing that evaluates and explains how a writer/composer communicates, maybe even influences, an audience. Locate a visual/oral/verbal text that you deem interesting and analyze it according to the way the text uses rhetorical effects and strategies to make its argument. Use specific textual evidence to establish a general argument (i.e., thesis) about how the text “works.” You should not simply paraphrase or summarize what the writer/composer says or composes; rather, your goal is to provide a way of understanding the measure of persuasive effect by analyzing the rhetorical situation. 

To do this, first identify the maker, intended audience, message, and intended purpose of the text. You can take your cues from the readings included in the book, class discussions, or discussions with your instructor. This information will set the foundation for the rest of your analysis. Next, explain how (and how effectively) the text

appeals to its intended audience;

employs the available means (the rhetorical appeals of ethos, logos, pathos; the rhetorical methods of development; and visual and/or aural elements, if applicable).

Process: Before proceeding with your work on the assignment you must present your topic and text for your instructor’s review and explain what makes this text an interesting subject (i.e., what is not rhetorically obvious) for rhetorical analysis through through a 1-page Statement on Planned Research. This statement will layout the topic and three questions about the topic you want to study. It will also layout why you are interested in studying the topic and what you expect to learn through this analysis. The topic must be approved by your instructor.

Doing research is fundamental to putting together an effective paper. To this end you must conduct research on your topic and develop an Annotated Bibliography of at least four sources (see Annotated Bibliography Assignment Sheet).  The bibliography can be changed in the final paper, but the annotated bibliography text you submitted will be a graded assignment separate from your Essay Assignment. 

As you are drafting, consider how you are supporting your claims about the text. Refer to specific moments in the text (using quotes and other concrete details) as evidence for your explanation of how the writer/composer uses rhetorical strategies. At the same time, consider the balance between description and analysis in your writing. Describe moments in the text in order to make your argument, but remember that your job is not to summarize the text for your readers. Your job is to evaluate the text by analyzing these details and making an argument about their rhetorical effect. 

After drafting, revise and edit the Final Draft. Consider carefully the organization and coherence of your piece. Develop clear paragraphs that support your thesis. It is essential you incorporate feedback (from peers, from the SVWC, or Smartthinking) at this step off the process based on two completed Feedback Sheets. You must also reflect on this process and develop a Reflection Memo laying out your steps. 

The Reflection Memo is meant to make you cognizant about the writing process. Based on the feedback you received, lay out your process of incorporating feedback and what you learned about the writing process as such in a 1-page memo. Your answers will not be graded for grammar, but you should try to answer as specifically and clearly as possible. The memo should explicitly answer these four questions: 

What did you understand about the changes asked for in your essay by your reviewers? Be specific.

What changes did you make during the revision process and why?  

What changes did you not make and why not?

What did you learn about the research process and how will you use it in the next assignment? 

Format: Your final draft should be three to four pages (double-spaced, TNR font, 1” margins). When citing your outside source(s), follow MLA format (see IC Part 6 or Bowie State Course Library Guide for English 102.).

Deliverables: 1) Statement of Planned Research, 2) Annotated Bibliography, 3) Rough Draft 4) 2-Completed Feedback Sheets, 4) Final Draft , and 6) Reflection Memo 

Suggested Themes and Topics

Music videos 

Ad campaigns by athletic gear companies

Ad campaigns by fashion

Speeches by famous social activists 

Speeches by presidents 

Movie analysis 

Social movement campaigns 

Essay by authors 

Historical figures and their writings 

Media campaigns by politicians 

Presidential campaigns 

Amazon ad campaigns

Marijuana policies 

Specific topics in Hip Hop

Objectification of women in advertising 

NFL protests 

Black Lives Matter 

Immigration controversies

Social Media campaigns

Video Essays on Youtube

    Additional Topics:

A B C D F

Thesis 10-9 8 7 6 5-0

A very specific thesis (closed or open) that provides a clear position and outlines the structure of the paper. A clear thesis that presents a position being talked about in the paper. It does not present a position or the outline of the paper.  No thesis. No thesis. Or no assignment submitted.

Content of Essay  30-26 25-22 21-19 18-16 15-0

Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate profiency of the topic and analysis; explains using the appropriate terminology and with sourced evidence. Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate competence of the topic and analysis; explains using the appropriate terminology and with sourced evidence. Illustrates competence of the topic and analysis; use of appropriate terminology and with sourced evidence needs to be stronger. Inadequate handling of the topic and analysis; no use of appropriate terminology.  Poor handling of the topic and analytical process. Or assignment submitted.

Organization of Essay 25-23 22-19 18-16 15-12 12-0

Presents ideas in a logical and cohesive sequence, with paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words or phrases well and reflecting the assigned argument.

The introduction and the conclusion connect to the prompt and topic very well. It presents the points and takeaways in a superior manner.  Presents ideas in a cohesive sequence, with paragraphs using topic sentences and transition words or phrases that need to be strengthened; logic of sequence is not explicit but argument type is clear.

The introduction and the conclusion connect to the prompt and topic. It presents the points and takeaways in an adequate manner.  Presents ideas in a sequence of pars with vague transitions. Topic sentences are present but need to be revised for clarity.

The introduction and the conclusion somewhat connect to the prompt and topic. It presents the points and takeaways competently. Ideas are not presented in a sequence; transitions and topic sentences are not effectively used. 

The introduction and the conclusion does not connect to the prompt and topic. It presents the points and takeaways inadequately. The essay does not represent the required argument in either sequence or ideas. Transitions and topic sentences are missing. 

Introductions and conclusions are incoherent.  Or no assignment submitted.

Mechanics and Style  25-23 22-19 18-16 15-12 12-0

The essay demonstrates mastery in grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has only 1-2 major errors and only 1-2 minor errors in its use of SAEThe essay demonstrates proficiency over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 3-4 major errors and 3-4 minor errors in its use of SAE. The essay demonstrates some competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 5 major errors and 5 minor errors in its use of SAE. The essay displays a lack of competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay has 6 or more major errors and 6 or more minor errors in its use of SAE. The essay displays no competence over grammar and mechanics of SAE conventions. Essay demonstrates a lack of control over SAE in both major and minor errors. Or no assignment submitted.

MLA Citations & Formatting  10-9 8 7 6 0

All sources are introduced and cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Includes a properly formatted Work Cited Page. Most sources are introduced but all of them are cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Includes a properly formatted Work Cited Page Only a couple of sources are introduced but all are cited. Essay is formatted in Times New Roman, 12 pt. type. Work cited page is not satisfactory. Sources are introduced but not cited. Essay is not appropriately formatted and may be in a type face other than Times New Roman, 12 pt. No Work Cited.  Sources are neither introduced nor cited. Portions of the paper are plagiarized. No Work Cited page. Or no assignment submitted. 

Annotated Bibliography

Due: 

Genre/Medium:    Annotated Bibliography

Prompt:    The writer of an annotated bibliography complies a list of sources to build research. The form includes a brief summary of the source and your own critical assessment of its relevance, objectivity, appropriateness, and usefulness. This write-up will be similar to the writing activities you had to do in English 101. To do this assignment use the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose (CRAAP) framework in evaluating your resources. It is a tool that helps you keep an organized and thoughtful record of the research process and relevant information about the topic. 

    To this end, you will put together an annotated bibliography of four sources in preparation for Assignment 1. The bibliography will include three types of textual information: 

1) Two mainstream and accredited news/ magazine article, 

2) One scholarly/academic “peer reviewed” article, 

3) One legitimate web-based multimedia or blog-style article. 

Format:    Your annotated bibliographies must paragraphs must contain a topic sentence, clear evidence from the reading, and coherent sentences on a topic. It will use transitions affectively to cohere the overall piece together. It must answer: 1) What is the information in the article you are summarizing?, 2) What is your critical assessment of the article?, and 3) How you will use it in your assignment?

Instructions: 

Cite in MLA-citation format the name of the article.

Draft one or two paragraphs for each of the sources you list in your annotated bibliography. 

Review the information in the bibliographies with your classmates to improve the grammar of the text and consider points that might help you build your argument in Assignment 3.

Grading Rubric (100 Points): 

50-41 40-36 35-31 30-26 25-0

Content & evidence  Excellent annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic well, evaluates the sources effectively, and/or lays out how it will be used in the argument.  Good annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic well, evaluates the sources, and/or lays out its use in the argument.  It is an adequate annotated bibliographies. It lays out the aspects of the topic, but does not evaluates the sources or lay out its use in the argument.  Does not fulfill the requirements of an annotated bibliographies. Paragraphs are too poorly written to be useful or no paragraphs presented.

Information Literacy 50-41 40-36 35-31 30-26 25-0

Citation is correct. It also provides specific evaluations about the appropriateness of the medium and the information for academic research.  Citation is correct. It provides specific evaluations about the appropriateness of the medium. Citation is correct. Citation is accurate. It needs to speak to the appropriateness of the medium and the information for academic research. Citation is not correct. Does not include any information about the medium and appropriateness for academic research. Citation and assessment are not adequate or no citations provided.