Rhetorical Analysis Practice

Directions:  In the appropriate conference on our class WebBoard (YourGroup; Rhetorical Analysis Exercise), practice Rhetorical Analysis.

Post:
First, read this editorial.

Now comes the fun part.  You're going to analyze the argument using one of the schema in the rhetoric lecture.  In order to get some depth without having you write an entire paper, we're going to limit this a bit.  

First, state what you see as the claim of the argument.

Next, identify the rhetorical situation of the text.  Be particularly careful to identify the audience.

Once you have done that, address in some detail one or possibly two of the following:

• What is the warrant that the rhetor assumes the audience shares?  Do you think the audience does share it?
• What kind of evidence does the rhetor present?  Is it effective?
• What inartistic proofs does the rhetor use?  Are they effective?
• What is the rhetor's ethos?  Does it help or hinder the argument?
• What sort of logic does the rhetor use?  Is it effective?
• To what emotions does the rhetor appeal?  Successful or not?

Your post in total should be a couple of good-sized paragraphs. 

Response:
Respond to two of your group members' posts (if others have posted already, try to respond to someone who hasn't gotten a response yet). 

• The biggest thing I want you to look for is whether they are using the rhetorical terms accurately.  When they say ethos, are they referring to the credibility of the author?
• As always, challenge, expand, add new information.  Don't just say "I agree," explain why you agree.