1. Rhetorical Analysis An Primer

2. To accurately analyze a text… • SOAPS • Speaker • Occasion • Audience • Purpose • Subject • Tone • Rhetorical Strategies • Appeals – ethos, pathos, logos • Style – diction, syntax, details, imagery, tone, etc.

3. The Introduction • The intro paragraph to an analysis essay is usually brief, but it must contain some essential information: • 1st • Speaker, Occasion, and Subject • Writer’s credentials + writer’s first and last name+ his or her type of text + title of text+ STRONG VERB + subject matter.

4. The Intro Continued… • 2nd • Purpose • (Writer’s last name)’s purpose is to (what the writer does in the text)

5. The Intro continued… • 3rd • Tone & Audience • He/she adopts a[n] (adjective describing the attitude/feeling conveyed in the writer) tone in order to (verbal phrase describing what the writer wants readers to do/think) in his/her (intended audience).

6. Transitions • In addition to the transition words you received on your Power Verb handout, consider the following: • Begins Opens • Closes Contrasts • Shifts to Juxtaposes • Ends Moves to

7. Analysis paragraphs MUST… • Identify the part of text you are analyzing by using TRANSITION WORDS and STRONG VERBS to explain the text. • Identify the STRONGEST RHETORICAL STRATEGIES used in a particular section. • This includes incorporating SPECIFIC TEXT EXAMPLES • Do NOT try to discuss every strategy the writer uses • PICK THE STRONGEST!

8. Analysis paragraphs MUST… • Clearly and specifically EXPLAIN how the rhetorical strategies are used to help the writer achieve his/her purpose and reach the audience. • The above items must be woven together seamlessly into a sophisticated paragraph • That where you work YOUR magic! • MATURE PROSE STYLE is at the top of the AP Rubric