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and more Summaries Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Rhetorical Analysis Blinn College – Bryan Writing Center Fall 2018 Rhetorical Analysis In writing a rhetorical analysis, we consider whether the writer’s arguments are persuasive (and why) or not persuasive (and why not). Rather than judging the topic or ideas, we are evaluating whether or not—in the eyes of the audience—the writer’s choices effectively achieve his or her purpose. The rhetorical situation The rhetorical situation is the context of the piece of writing, including the speaker, audience, writer’s purpose, and message. For example, if we ask someone for advice, the person may want to know the factors involved and ask, “What’s the situation?” Elements of content and style To assess how a writer is persuasive, a rhetorical analysis dissects the piece of writing to examine its parts in detail. Some of an essay’s elements relate to the content, what the essay actually says, and some relate to its style, or the way in which it is stated. Rhetorical appeals Rhetorical appeals are the qualities of an argument that make it truly persuasive. To make a convincing argument, a writer appeals to a reader in several ways. The four different types of persuasive appeals are logos, ethos, pathos, and kairos. Logos, the appeal to logic, is used to convince an audience with reason. Logos would contain a clear message and cite facts, statistics, authorities, and literal analogies. Example: “Of all the studies in the last decade, none recommend that this is an effective treatment for losing weight.” Ethos, the ethical appeal, is used to convince an audience of the author’s credibility or character. Authors develop ethos by sounding fair or unbiased or by introducing their expertise or background. Example: “The doctor’s many years of experience show he is qualified to prescribe a treatment that will produce the best result.” Pathos, the emotional appeal, is used to invoke sympathy with meaningful language, a moving tone, or touching stories. Example: “Some people feel they have wasted their lives, but it is never too late to renew a sense of purpose and meaning and make a valuable contribution to the world that only they can make.” Kairos describes the most suitable time and place for making an argument and the most opportune ways of expressing it. Example: “Today’s generation of students in their 20s is firmly tuned in to a digital world.” An example of using all four appeals would be that in making a request of a parent, we might give a logical reason for the request, show why we deserve it, make an emotional appeal, and present the request at an appropriate time.
