R HETORICAL A NALYSES Chapter 8 Writing Today P URPOSE To
determine how and why texts are influential, or not. To show why a
text was effective or persuasive. To learn how writers and speakers
sway others and how we can be more persuasive ourselves.
NON-FICTION Historical and present-day documents Advertisements
Speeches B ASIC O RGANIZATION Introduction Explanation of
rhetorical concepts Historical context and summary of text Analysis
of logos-related (reasoning) proofs in subject. Analysis of pathos-
related (emotion) proofs in subject Conclusion Introduction
Historical context and summary of the text Explanation of first
rhetorical concept followed by analysis of text Explanation of
second rhetorical concept followed by analysis of text Explanation
of third rhetorical concept followed by analysis of text.
Conclusion I NTRODUCTION Identify the subject of your analysis
State your purpose Explain why this text was effective or
persuasive or Explain why this text was not effective or
persuasive. State your main point This text was (not) persuasive
because Give necessary background information on the subject, its
author, and the historical context in which it was produced and
received Stress its importance. Why are its rhetorical strategies
significant? R HETORICAL C ONCEPTS Logos (Reasoning)-appealing to
readers common sense, beliefs, or values. Ethos (Credibility)-using
the reputation, experience, and values of the author or an expert
to support claims. Pathos (emotion)-using feelings, desires, or
fears to influence readers. Other-metaphor, narrative, genre,
style, and others. There is no need to cover all three of the
rhetorical concepts. Instead, concentrate on just one of them. L
OGOS Ifthen Eitheror Cause and effect Costs and benefits Better and
worse Examples Facts and data Anecdotes Page 148 E THOS Personal
experience Personal credentials Good moral character Appeal to
experts Identification with the readers Admission of limitations
Expression of good will Use of insider language Page 148 P ATHOS
Eight basic emotions: joy, acceptance, fear, surprise, sadness,
disgust, anger, and anticipation. Promise of gain Promise of
enjoyment Fear of loss Fear of pain Expressions of anger or disgust
S UNSILK Most advertisements will rely on PATHOS because there is
not much time available to persuade a customer to buy something. H
ISTORICAL C ONTEXT AND S UMMARY History of text Who wrote it? Who
presented it? Who was the target reader/audience? Where and when
did it appear? Why was the text produced or written? 1-5 paragraphs
summarizing the content of the text Highlight main point and most
important features Keep it in your own words Provide select quotes
from the text DO NOT provide your opinion about the text or
message!!! Give readers and objective overview of the content.
Historical ContextSummary HTTP :// WWW. YOUTUBE. COM / WATCH ? V
=K31 DG 8 6O MU M Red Bull Gives You Wings A NALYSIS OF THE T EXT
Interpret the text using the rhetorical concepts you defined
earlier in the rhetorical analysis C ONCLUSION Keep this part
brief. (1-2 paragraphs) Ultimately, what does your rhetorical
analysis reveal about the text you studied? What does your analysis
tell your readers about the rhetorical concept(s) you used to
analyze the text? Why is your explanation of the text or the
rhetorical concept(s) important to your readers? What should your
readers look for in the future with this kind of text or this
persuasion strategy? Whichever you choose to answer, ensure that
you are making a connection to your main point. K EEP A MERICA B
EAUTIFUL PAGE 145
