1. Reading Analyzing Writing
RHETORICAL ANALYSIS
Reading
Analyzing
Writing

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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