Creating a structure

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-provoking claim you can prove. (develop a statement)

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-by-line or paragraph-by-paragraph deconstruction of a text. This structure shows up frequently online. Such analyses practically organize themselves, but your commentary must be smart, accurate, and stylish to keep readers on board.

Introduction leading to a claim

First section/paragraph + detailed analysis

Next section/paragraph + detailed analysis

Additional section/paragraph + detailed analysis

Conclusion