Reading Analyzing Writing RHETORICAL ANALYSIS Reading Analyzing Writing

Introduction Contextualize the topic/issue. Connect to the topic/issue/argument/prompt. Specifically identify the author’s purpose/perspective/characterization. Say HOW (always what the prompt asks)the author achieves his purpose/perspective/characterization. Construct an arguable thesis.

Thesis Statement Reminders Should be a clear, arguable statement that you prove with text Should guide the organization of the essay (topic sentences) After each sentence you write in the body paragraphs, you should touch back to the thesis to be sure that you are still on focus

Body Paragraph #1 Topic sentence must flow from the thesis What job does the author accomplish in paragraph 1 of the text and how? WHAT + HOW Cut and blend text to specifically support your observations Be sure to support/prove each assertion/observation you make Touch back to the thesis after each sentence to be sure that you are telling WHY, EFFECT, and/or SIGNIFICANCE OR Focus on a specific device/strategy (HOW) that runs throughout the text

TRANSITION TO NEXT PARAGRAPH The topic sentence of the second body paragraph must flow from and connect to the ideas at the end of the first paragraph.

Body Paragraph #2 Topic sentence must flow from the thesis What job does the author accomplish in paragraph 2 of the text and how? WHAT + HOW Cut and blend text to specifically support your observations Be sure to support/prove each assertion/observation you make Touch back to the thesis after each sentence to be sure that you are telling WHY, EFFECT, and/or SIGNIFICANCE OR Focus on another specific device/strategy (HOW) that runs throughout the text

TRANSITION TO NEXT PARAGRAPH The topic sentence of the third body paragraph must flow from and connect to the ideas at the end of the second paragraph.

Body Paragraph #3 Topic sentence must flow from the thesis What job does the author accomplish in paragraph 3 of the text and how? WHAT + HOW Cut and blend text to specifically support your observations Be sure to support/prove each assertion/observation you make Touch back to the thesis after each sentence to be sure that you are telling WHY, EFFECT, and/or SIGNIFICANCE OR Focus on another specific device/strategy (HOW) that runs throughout the text

TRANSITION TO NEXT PARAGRAPH The topic sentence of the fourth body paragraph must flow from and connect to the ideas at the end of the third paragraph.

Body Paragraph #4 Topic sentence must flow from the thesis What job does the author accomplish in paragraph 4 of the text and how? WHAT + HOW Cut and blend text to specifically support your observations Be sure to support/prove each assertion/observation you make Touch back to the thesis after each sentence to be sure that you are telling WHY, EFFECT, and/or SIGNIFICANCE OR Focus on another specific device/strategy (HOW) that runs throughout the text

TRANSITION TO NEXT PARAGRAPH The topic sentence of the fifth body paragraph must flow from and connect to the ideas at the end of the fourth paragraph.

Body Paragraph #5 Topic sentence must flow from the thesis What job does the author accomplish in paragraph 5 of the text and how? WHAT + HOW Cut and blend text to specifically support your observations Be sure to support/prove each assertion/observation you make Touch back to the thesis after each sentence to be sure that you are telling WHY, EFFECT, and/or SIGNIFICANCE OR Focus on another specific device/strategy (HOW) that runs throughout the text

Conclusion Should circle back to the introduction or at least the thesis Should conclude the analysis and sound finished Should NOT be as long or as well-developed as the body paragraph Should NOT be a repetition of the introduction