Writing A Rhetorical Analysis Essay
A rhetorical analysis is a writing that separates the content (what the passage is about) from the methods (rhetorical strategies) used to successfully convey that content.
Steps On How To Write A Rhetorical Analysis
- Analyze the prompt to determine what kind of analysis and what effect to address.
- Understand the passage
- Deal with "hidden†questions, such as: What is the effect? Answer these in the first body paragraph.
- Given the time, select three techniques to discuss. Keep in mind the type of essay presented by the passage and look for typical techniques for that rhetorical mode.
- Compose a thesis that states both the effect and the techniques.
- Be sure to avoid the trap of explaining meanings; no AP essay question will ask you what a passage means.
- Focus on how a technique creates the given effect.
- Rule of thumb: more than half your essay should be commentary.