A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of academic writing in which the writer seeks to demonstrate his or her viewpoint, usually using persuasive and sometimes effective methodologies, and prove his or her point with supporting evidence. In a wider sense, a rhetorical essay means ‘a philosophical essay on writing.’ The argument put forward in these types of essays is not only personal, but also often topical, such as in an essay concerning politics, popular culture, or the arts. These types of essays may be written on a variety of topics, including the history of philosophy, literature, or public speaking; they can even be written for a class assignment. As any student of literature knows, the topics and arguments in such written works change and develop over time and can be presented in new ways.
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by the writing of the first piece, which is the thesis statement. In most cases, the thesis statement is the most important part of the entire essay. The writing itself, in all its forms, generally follows one of two models. One model describes the outline and structure of the essay as well as the main points to be developed within the body of the work, whereas another model focuses on the central thesis statement.
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay is divided into three main parts: a discussion of the thesis statement; a discussion of how it applies to the specific topic at hand; and a final discussion of the general methodology and conclusion. Each of these sections is further divided into four sub-sections: proof, argument, analysis, and conclusion. The discussion of the thesis statement begins with an examination of what the topic of the essay is, how the argument can apply to the specific field at hand, and whether or not the thesis is falsified.
The first section of How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay, the argument, goes into detail regarding the topic and how the writer’s arguments can be used to support and oppose the main thesis statement. The major argument made in support of the thesis statement is usually the main point in the essay. Supporting arguments are most commonly referred to as “theory” in the literature, but can also be categorized as “refutations,” “antiquations,” “postulates,” “arguments,” “expositions,” “defense mechanisms,” and “refutations.” The writer is encouraged to select his strongest rhetorical devices and strategies to support the arguments made in his or her essay.
The second part of How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay, the body paragraphs, consists of the remainder of the essay. In this section the structure is loosely followed. However, each paragraph requires support to its position just as in the case of the thesis statement. This section is generally referred to as the “notation” or “methodology” of the essay. Most writers will choose a method of arguing the issue, present their case using only the body paragraphs, and then expand on that topic using the remaining text.
The conclusion is the most important part of How to write a rhetorical analysis essay. It is where you declare the final conclusions of your arguments and the reason for reaching them. Some common reasons given for arguing a point of view include: “to prove” a “theory,” “to prove” a “generalization,” “to illustrate” an “experience,” or “to demonstrate” a “law of tendency.” The writer is encouraged to provide additional examples of persuasive reasoning to further support the conclusion reached in his or her argument. When this is done effectively, the conclusion will be accepted by the reader without question.
The introduction is also where your reader is introduced to your essay. It is here that you state your purpose for writing the essay, what the focus of your essay is, and a brief description of the various information and argument that you plan to use in your essay. Furthermore, you need to use appropriate words and language when discussing any specific points in your essay. Furthermore, your writing skills will be tested in this area as you are required to justify your position, counter the arguments of the opposing party, and make a convincing argument to strengthen your argument.
The conclusion is where most of your work in this part of the assignment will be completed. Here you use the remaining resources and make your case for your claim using primary sources. However, it is again important that you use appropriate words and language when discussing any secondary sources used to support your main point. Furthermore, support your claim with primary and secondary sources that support and oppose your main point. Finally, summarize your argument with your thesis statement and close with your concluding paragraph.
