Student Writing

Rhetorical Analysis: Analyzing a Prose Passage

The following prompt calls for a close analysis of a passage from Lars Eighner’s essay, “On Dumpster Diving,” on page 421 of this chapter.

Paragraphs 1 through 7 serve as an introduction to Lars Eighner’s “Dumpster Diving.” Read the passage carefully and write an essay explaining how Eighner uses rhetorical strategies to introduce his subject to his reader.

Here is the first draft of an essay from student Jonathan Ellis in response to the prompt. Read the draft carefully, thinking about ways that it could be improved through revision. Consider rhetoric and style as well as content. Then respond to the questions that follow.