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 reader’s 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 If…then Either…or 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