Essay 2: Rhetorical Analysis

Purpose: The main focus for this essay will be a rhetorical analysis of an argument. I'll
be looking to see if you can refer to the concepts discussed in the Chapter 6, including
audience, pathos, ethos, logos, arrangement and style. To review these concepts, refer
back to Chapter 6.
Prompt: See RESPOND on page 120 of Everything's an Argument
Find an argument on the editorial page or op-ed page in a recent newspaper. Then
analyze it rhetorically, using principles discussed in this chapter. Show how it succeeds,
fails, or does something else entirely. Perhaps you can show that the author is unusually
successful in connecting with readers but then has nothing to say. Or perhaps you
discover that the strong logical appeal is undercut by a contradictory emotional
argument. Be sure that the analysis includes a summary of the original essay and basic
publication information about it (its author, place of publication, and publisher).
Important Details:
Length: 4 to 5 pages
Points: 100
Pay close attention to the rubric I'll be using to grade this paper
Demonstrate correct MLA formatting. If you quote from any of the texts you find,
you must include in-text citation.
Please include a Works Cited page that includes your source.
Use 1 margins and Times or Times New Roman 12 font; insert a header on each
page; and provide a creative title that is centered
I am interested in your ability to analyze someone else's ideasnot in your
position on the matter.
Strategies for Success:
o Read and refer back to Chapter 6
o Carefully read the assignment on page 120
o Show me that you're able to analyze an essay using the principles discussed in
Chapter 6
o Go through each step of the writing process and allow yourself enough time
o Ask questions
o Look at the sample shown on pages 108 to page 113. The essay on page 111
"Understanding Brooks' Binaries" is a good example of what I'd like you to turn in;
also, see "Guide to Writing a Rhetorical Analysis" on page 114.
o For extra help, make arrangements to meet with a tutor at the writing center, or
share your draft with me.
o Remember to submit your final draft to turnitin.com and to print out the rubric and
attach it to your hard copy (back page).

Due Dates:
Peer Response Workshop:
Final Draft:

College-Level Writing Rubric: Essay 2

Masterful

Skilled

Able

Developing

Novice

DEPTH and INSIGHT

(20)
The writer makes exceptional
insights that show
considerable depth

(15)
The writer makes
good insights that
show depth

(10)
The writer makes
satisfactory insights
that show some depth

DEVELOPMENT

(20)
Consistent evidence with
originality and depth of ideas;
ideas work together as a
unified whole; main points are
sufficiently supported (with
evidence); support is valid
and specific.
(20)
Organization is sequential and
appropriate to assignment;
paragraphs are appropriately
divided; ideas linked with
effective transitions.

(15)
Ideas supported
sufficiently;
support is sound,
valid and logical.

(10)
Main points and ideas
are only indirectly
supported; support
isnt sufficient or
specific, but is loosely
relevant to main
points.
(10)
Limited attempts to
organize around a
thesis; paragraphs
with weak or nonevident transitions.

(5)
The writer makes
surface observations
that show little depth
and insight.
(5)
Insufficient, nonspecific, and/or
irrelevant support.

(1)
The writer does not
make any
observations that
show depth or insight.
(1)
Lack of support for
main points; frequent
and illogical
generalizations
without support.

(5)
Organization is
unsuccessful.
Paragraphs were
disconnected and
lacked transitions.

(1)
Organization, if
evident at all, is
confusing and
disjointed; paragraph
structure is weak.

(6)
The writer does an
adequate job of
responding to the
prompt and showing
description. In some
spots the essay lacks
purpose.
(6)
Formulaic or tedious
sentence patterns;
shows some errors in
sentence
construction.

(4)
Though the writer
makes a couple of
descriptive
statements, most of
the paper lacks
purpose.

(1)
The paper does not
respond to the
assigned prompt at
all.

(4)
Sentences show
errors of structure;
little or no variety;
no grasp of sentence
flow.

(1)
Simplistic sentences
used throughout;
serious errors of
sentence structure
(run-ons, fragments)
throughout.
(1)
Excessive spelling,
capitalization
punctuation, and /or
formatting errors.

ORGANIZATION

(15)
Competent
organization and
paragraph
structure; lacking
effective
transitions.
(8)
The writer
successfully
responds to the
prompt and uses
some description
strategies

PURPOSE

(10)
The writer does an
outstanding job of responding
to the prompt and uses many
different strategies to show
description.

GRAMMAR

(10)
Each sentence structured
effectively, powerfully; rich,
well-chosen variety of
sentence styles and length.

(8)
Effective and
varied sentences.

MLA STYLE

(10)
Virtually free of punctuation,
spelling, capitalization errors;
appropriate MLA format and
presentation for assignment.

(6)
Contains several
punctuation, spelling,
formatting, and/or
capitalization errors.

(4)
Contains many
punctuation,
spelling, formatting,
and/or capitalization
errors.

VOCABULARY

(10)
Exceptional vocabulary range,
accuracy, and correct and
effective word usage.

(8)
Contains only
occasional
punctuation,
spelling, and
capitalization
errors.
(8)
Good vocabulary
range and
accuracy of usage.

(6)
Ordinary vocabulary
range, mostly
accurate.

(4)
Errors of diction, and
usage, are evident.

(1)
Extremely limited
vocabulary; choices
lack grasp of diction.

Masterful

Skilled

Able

Developing

Novice