Part 2: Thesis and Outline
a thesis statement is the subject of one’s writing and the idea one is proposing. In essence, the main point being asserted or put out there for consideration by the reader. You have identified the thesis of your article, now it is time to identify your own thesis for your rhetorical analysis paper. You will then support this thesis, in outline form.
Deliverables
(1) Your thesis statement. This statement needs to be one to two sentences that in a concise manner state: what the author’s thesis is, the primary methods the author used to communicate this with the reader, and whether or not the author was successful.
(2) An outline of your proposed paper. (See a sample paper.) This outline, like the paper that will follow, should include three parts, your introduction, body, and conclusion. (Remember, you are supporting your thesis with your outline.)
Identifying rhetorical strategies
Authors employ various strategies in their writing to help them achieve their intended purpose. It is your job to identify the strategies the author of your article uses and second, reflect upon whether or not these strategies are effective.
Read the article carefully, with the author’s thesis in mind. While reading, identify the techniques or strategies that the author uses to support their thesis. (Refer to the associated handout for ideas.) Consider how the author uses language to communicate and whether or not the author is successful.
Some rhetorical strategies that you might consider in your analysis include:
Organization of the information
Selection and omission of information
Privileging and/or excluding various positions or voices
Kinds and use of evidence
Style, including the use of words, stories, quotations, and graphics
Use of appeals
ethos (How does the writer project an authoritative stance and gain the trust of readers?)
pathos (What techniques does the writer use to appeal to the readers’ emotions?)
logos (What techniques does the writer use to appeal to the readers’ rationality?)
Do NOT simply rely on the use of appeals as the rhetorical strategies you identify. Keep in mind that in some cases the author may use other strategies to help develop those appeals. Use outside resources to help you identify rhetorical strategies (hundreds exist!) and be creative. Maybe your author uses personal narrative, interesting puns and metaphors, rhetorical questions, repetition, a cliffhanger. Think about how your author constructs their piece and how that influences readers.
Other advice
Read your article carefully and at least two or three times before beginning your outline. Print it out if necessary so that you can make notes and underline words and phrases.
When creating your outline, keep in mind that you are drafting the foundation for your paper. Therefore each section should be focused and correspond to a paragraph in your paper. Once you think you have identified a specific rhetorical strategy, support it with two to three examples from the paper, but do not include entire paragraphs or rely on long quotes. If you identify more than three strategies, work with your instructor to select the strongest two or three to include in the body of your paper.
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