WRITING A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS / RESPONSE PAPER:
A rhetorical analysis o précis is typically a four-sentence paragraph distilling the main ideas in the text assigned and a
contextualized statement of their importance. You can use this format if you feel more comfortable following a template that
ensures inclusion of key elements of the argument. This format is not required, however. If you prefer to freely chose your
own framework to critically assess the work, feel free to do so. A rhetorical analysis o précis includes the following elements:
a) A single coherent sentence identifying:
-name of the author, title of the work, and date (in parenthesis) (you can also choose to add a description of the author—
something like “professor of… at…”, “pulitzer prize winning journalist” etc.);
-a rhetorically accurate verb (such as “assert,” “argue,” “deny,” “refute,” “prove,” disprove,” “explain,” “reveal” “challenge”
“suggests” etc.)—this is important because authors usually don’t simply “say” things. Identifying what their rhetorical
intentions are in crafting their arguments is critical in understanding the reading.
-a that clause containing the major claim (thesis statement) of the work.
b) A single coherent sentence that explains how the author develops and supports the major claim (thesis statement). (Does
the author offer scientific evidence, or does she analyze underexamined aspects of a work or idea…? What method, in
short, does he/she use to make his/her point?)
c) A single coherent sentence stating the author’s likely purpose, followed by an “in order to” phrase.
d) A single coherent sentence describing the intended audience and/or the relationship the author establishes with the
audience.
… and then you can add your own comments to this!! F