Rhetorical Analysis & Writing

Rhetorical Analysis & Writing Using SOAPSTone to structure and analyze arguments

Modes of Discourse • Description: depicts images verbally in space and time, arranging those images in a logical pattern such as spatial or by association. • Narration: tells a story or relates an event, organized by chronological and spatial order, what, when, where • Exposition: informs or instructs, presents ideas or “truths” objectively. • Persuasion: convincing audience, proving or refuting a point of view or issue. Organized by deduction or induction.

Kinds of Exposition Organization • Comparison • Contrast • Cause and effect • Classification • Division • Definition

Purpose • Support a cause • Promote change • Stimulate interest • Refute a theory • Win agreement • Arouse sympathy • Provoke anger

Audience: Who is it? • Knowledge • Beliefs • Expectations • What do they disagree with • Language usage-jargon, formal, archaic, anecdotal, warm, familiar? • Questions need to address?

Logical Appeals (logos) • Chronological order • Order of importance • Provide evidence • Classify evidence • Cite authority • Quote research • Use facts • Theorize about cause and effect • Argue from set precedent • Inductive reasoning—general to specific • Deductive reasoning—specific to general • Syllogism • Cite common beliefs, cultural traditions • Allusions to history, lit, religious text, myth • Expert testimony • Analogies/Metaphors

Ethical Appeal--Ethos • Show self as knowing and respecting audience • Convincingly show self as knowledgeable and reliable • Show self as trustworthy • Demonstrate research time • Support reasons with logical evidence • Show craftsmanship in argument structure • Show self as concerned

Emotional Appeals--Pathos • Use figurative language • Develop specific tone • Use/experiment with language—esp. informal. • Use sensory details • Use bias or prejudice • Anecdote • Connotative language—used specifically for effect • Use euphemisms or explore euphemisms • Use description

Logical Fallacies: Errors in reasoning • Common Logical Fallacies • Ad populum • Begging the question • Circular reasoning • Either/or reasoning • Hasty generalization • Non sequitur • Pedantry • Post hoc ergo propter hoc • Propaganda • Don’t claim to be able to solve the whole complex problem. • The more complex the problem, the less likely your essay is a “miracle cure.” • Don’t oversimplify. • This hurts your ethos. • Support your argument with CONCRETE evidence and SPECIFIC propositions

Introducing an Argument • Attention Grabber • Present issue/topic with CONCRETE example or anecdote • Provide background • Define terms (specialized) • State claim—We call this your thesis.

Concession and Refutation • Writers can’t ignore the opposing side of an argument. MUST address it. • Concession acknowledges the opposition • Refutation presents argument against opposition. • “Yes…but” part of your paper • Can be structured to ALL appear in intro • Can be addressed point by point in body

Conclusion • Satisfying wrap up • Restates claim • Provides appeal to needs or values • Can enrich with additional commentary • Call to action/change thought • DO NOT REPEAT INFORMATION

Confirmation • Provides the REASONS and EVIDENCE for writer’s claim. • Longest part of argument • Shows logic of argument • Uses rhetorical devices • Develops argument • Not just logos • Pathos—esp. to human values or needs

Works Consulted • College Board (2002). The AP Vertical Teams Guide for English 2nd edition.

Rhetorical Analysis & Writing