Creating a structure
organize ideas
In a rhetorical analysis, you’ll make a statement about how well the argumentative strategy of a piece works. Don’t expect to come up with a thesis immediately or easily: You need to study a text closely to figure out how it works and then ponder its strengths and weaknesses. Draft a tentative thesis and then refine it throughout the process of writing until you have a thought-
Your thesis should do more than just list rhetorical features: This ad has good logical arguments and uses emotions and rhetorical questions. Why would someone want to read (or write) a paper with such an empty claim? The following thesis promises a far more interesting rhetorical analysis:
The latest government antidrug posters offer good reasons for avoiding steroids but do it in a visual style so bland that most students will ignore them.
Once you have a thesis or hypothesis, try sketching a design based on a thesis / supporting reason / evidence plan. Focus on those features of the text that illustrate the points you wish to make. You don’t have to discuss every facet of the text.
Introduction leading to a claim
First supporting reason + textual evidence
Second supporting reason + textual evidence
Additional supporting reasons + textual evidence
Conclusion
In some cases, you might perform a line-
Introduction leading to a claim
First section/paragraph + detailed analysis
Next section/paragraph + detailed analysis
Additional section/paragraph + detailed analysis
Conclusion