Rhetorical analysis Essay: Definition

A rhetorical analysis essay is an essay where one studies the work of different writers and speakers to understand the effect it has had on their audience. It is usually done on a non-fiction work where the influence of words is explained --- whether the goal was to entertain, inform, or persuade the audience.

Rhetorical analysis can also be performed on a speech or even a cartoon and advertisement, or other visual work.

The basic goal of conducting a rhetorical analysis is to figure out what the author’s objective was, the tools and techniques they used, and their effectiveness.

You cannot provide your opinion about the author’s argument – whether or not you agree with him, instead, your focus is on how the author made an argument and whether the approach used was successful or not.

Sounds terrifying, doesn’t it?

Looking at the definition and the requirements of a rhetorical analysis essay can make you feel overwhelmed but don’t give up just yet. In this article, we have covered all the necessary tips and steps to get you familiar with these types of essays.

1- Understand what rhetorical essay exactly is. Remember! It is different from writing a research paper. The main objective is to expose the rhetorical techniques when you try to persuade your target audience to accept your arguments.

Like any other essay, it demands a similar process and techniques from the writers.

You need to read the content, conduct research and conclude your own summary.

You need to be an expert on the platform of pathos, ethos and logos, and various other concepts if you are thinking that I have to write my essay for me. Moreover, you should know how to conduct good research.

2- Organize Your Work Considering you have a very tight deadline to this particular task, it is of utmost necessary for you to create an outline of your work.

Start from thoroughly reading and researching regarding your selected/given topic.

After that, assemble your ideas for your outline.

3- Ask Questions You need to be as persuasive, professional and good as Sherlock Holmes for writing a rhetorical analysis essay.

You need to ask as many questions as you can for writing this particular piece of writing.

Remember! Essential questions that you need to as in your particular essay should be rhetorical as well. They are “Why?” and “What?”

Make sure your essay covers the following question:

• What are the author’s arguments?
• What is the intention of the author in writing?
• What type of style he used and why?
• Why research has been conducted, and the topic is analyzed?
• What is the author’s target audience?
• What strategies the author is choosing? Is he/she persuasive?
• Finally, never forget to ask: "Who the writer is?"
• What consequence does the particular piece of writing have on the target audience?
• Make sure to remember regarding three vital queries to write my essay respond, i.e. what the speaker is doing, what is he saying, and what kind of techniques is he/she using.
• By following this, you are going to have more understanding regarding the rhetorical essay.

The conclusion is the last thing you leave with your reader, so you better make it strong. Mention the main thoughts and how the text under analysis has influenced the society.