Rhetorical Analysis: the Claim

A strong rhetorical analysis essay features a thesis statement that makes a specific claim derived from the rhetorical appeals and devices that the writer has identified in an author’s text. The claim seeks to analyze why an author has chosen these rhetorical strategies and explain how they relate to both his or her purpose for writing and the central idea or theme of the text in question. The body paragraphs of the analysis will provide readers with evidence and examples of these rhetorical appeals and strategies from the text. This may include detailed references to other related writing skills, such as diction, syntax, tone, and point of view. As various supporting quotes from the text are presented, the essay writer will explore and explain how the author uses rhetoric, both in terms of what he or she is saying and how he or she is expressing it.
 
The features of a strong claim include:

• a clear argument
• acknowledgement of the texts that inform your argument
• context for your argument
• style and rhetoric appropriate to your audience

 
As you work to compose the claim for your rhetorical analysis essay, think about the text you will be analyzing. Locate specific sentences or sections that helped you to answer these questions:

• Which themes or arguments in the text felt most compelling?
• How did the manner in which the author presented his or her claims affect or influence your comprehension and acceptance of those claims?
• What was the author’s point of view on the subject matter?
• How was the language and sentence structure related to the purpose for writing?
• What new ideas or insights did the author express in the text?

 
Write down your answers in a list, chart, or outline as you think about these questions. The goal here is to jot them down as quickly as you think about them; you’ll have time to organize your thoughts and ideas further during the course of the writing process.
 
As you record your ideas, look for patterns and similarities that begin to emerge. Are there some types of rhetorical appeals that the author relies on more frequently than others? Does he or she use the same rhetorical device to discuss similar subjects and another to discuss different subjects? Is the author’s diction, syntax, and tone consistent throughout the text, or does it change from one paragraph to another? If so, where, and why? Answering these questions may help you solidify the ideas you want to discuss in your essay and perhaps even come up with some new ones.

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The above curriculum by StudySync, McGraw Hill - Contemporary Composition, Rhetorical Analysis.  Do not distribute beyond our classroom.