11th Grade Language and Composition
Rhetorical Analysis paper
Reading and writing Game Day (Summative Assessment)
In our first major unit, you have been reading a variety of texts, all focusing on
power, politics and persuasion.
Now, choose a pair of texts and write an essay in which you analyze and
compare the rhetorical strategies your rhetor uses to achieve his or her purpose.
Support your analysis with specific references to the text.
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR TEXTS
OPTION 1: Compare Political Campaign TV Advertisements
Donald Trump – “Donald Trump is Listening
Hillary Clinton – “Mirrors”
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OPTION 2: Compare Campaign Proposals
Hillary Clinton’s Proposal for Education
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/k-12-education/
Donald Trump’s Proposal for Education
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/education/
OPTION 3: Compare Speeches
Donald Trump – Immigration Policy Speech
Hillary Clinton –2016 Democratic National Convention Speech
STEP 2: MAKE A TIMELINE AND GET SUPPORT
Important Dates
Rhetorical strategies brainstorm
Date
Tuesday, 10/11 by end of class
Thesis statement approved
Wednesday, 10/12 by end of class
Very rough draft OR completed
graphic organizer
Edited version (draft 2)
completed
Final essay due with completed
rubric and reflection
Friday, 10/14 by end of class
Done?
Thursday, 10/20 by end of class
Friday, 10/21 by end of day
Support available
I am here to support you to be successful on this essay. Please take advantage of one or more of these
options:
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Get support from LeTourneau during 1st Lunch or after school
Make an appointment to visit LeTourneau in Room 300 in Seminar
Go to the Lincoln Writing Center – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:15 to 4:15 in room 200
E-mail with questions about your drafts:
o [email protected]
STEP 3: ANALYZE YOUR TEXT
Complete the following:
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SOAPS Analysis
Rhetorical Appeals Analysis (Ethos, Logos, Pathos)
Tone
Diction
ATTACHMENTS
Please carefully review the attachments to this assignment, including:
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Rubric for reading and writing skills
SOAPS-Tone analysis worksheet
Graphic organizer for essay (Please pick one up.)
Rhetorical strategies brainstorm
DICTION:
TONE:
S
O
A
P
s
DICTION:
TONE:
THESIS STATEMENT
LOGOS:
ETHOS:
PATHOS:
Approved by LeTourneau ___________
In his/her texts, {title} from {date}, {rhetor’s name} uses {list 2-3 rhetorical strategies} in order to
{purpose of the text}.
STEP 4: DRAFT YOUR PAPER
BODY PARAGRAPH #1
Topic Sentence
{Rhetor} uses {rhetorical strategy} in order to {purpose of this rhetorical strategy}.
Evidence #1
Commentary/Analysis #2
Give a specific example from the text where the
rhetor uses the strategy.
Why does the rhetor use this strategy?
What’s the effect of this strategy on the
audience?
Evidence #2
Commentary/Analysis #2
Give another specific example from the text
where the rhetor uses this strategy.
Why does the rhetor use this strategy?
What’s the effect of this strategy on the
audience?
So what?
How is this strategy useful in achieving the rhetor’s overall purpose?
Is the rhetor’s use of this strategy effective or ineffective?
BODY PARAGRAPH #2
Topic Sentence
{Rhetor} also uses {rhetorical strategy} in order to {purpose of this particular rhetorical strategy}.
Evidence #1
Commentary/Analysis #2
Give a specific example from the text where the
rhetor uses the strategy.
Why does the rhetor use this strategy?
What’s the effect of this strategy on the
audience?
Evidence #2
Commentary/Analysis #2
Give another specific example from the text
where the rhetor uses this strategy.
Why does the rhetor use this strategy?
What’s the effect of this strategy on the
audience?
So what?
How is this strategy useful in achieving the rhetor’s overall purpose?
Is the rhetor’s use of this strategy effective or ineffective?
BODY PARAGRAPH #3
Topic Sentence
Finally, {Rhetor} also uses {rhetorical strategy} in order to {purpose of this particular rhetorical
strategy}.
Evidence #1
Commentary/Analysis #2
Give a specific example from the text where the
rhetor uses the strategy.
Why does the rhetor use this strategy?
What’s the effect of this strategy on the
audience?
Evidence #2
Commentary/Analysis #2
Give another specific example from the text
where the rhetor uses this strategy.
Why does the rhetor use this strategy?
What’s the effect of this strategy on the
audience?
So what?
How is this strategy useful in achieving the rhetor’s overall purpose?
Is the rhetor’s use of this strategy effective or ineffective?
CONCLUSION/SO WHAT?
Does the rhetor achieve his or her overall purpose?
What is the effect of his or her message on the audience?
CHALLENGE:
How would the effectiveness of the text change given another audience?
 While _________’s speech is effective with his/her primary audience, ____________,
his/her purpose might not have the same effect on his/her secondary audience,
_______________, because….