Q&A for How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis

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How can I analyze an ad using logos, pathos, and ethos?

Community Answer

Look carefully at the words used in the ad, the image, and the feelings that the ad gives off. First analyze the words for any presence of an appeal to reason (logos), pathos (feelings), or ethos (ethics). Then look at the image and explain how the consumer is supposed to receive it. Again, does it appeal to your reason, feelings, or moral compass?

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How can I know if my writing will make sense to others?

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You can try giving your writing to others, so they can give notes on things that weren't so clear and suggest improvements.

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What if the author only uses pathos and not the other two?

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Your goal should be to determine whether or not the author is successful in making their argument. A good rhetorical analysis essay takes both sides of the argument, so you should analyze how the author was ineffective with the lack of logos and ethos.

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Question

Can I write one of these for a debate?

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I would suggest doing more of an argument-based essay since you're trying to persuade people to believe your side is the better side in a debate. In an argument essay you'll be able to give more evidence to support your claim.

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Question

Is there an easy way to write a rhetorical analysis essay in one hour?

Community Answer

Not if you want to do it well. Good writing, like tea, takes time to steep and process. Don't cheat yourself of the opportunity to do your best work; learn how to think deeply about your writing.

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Question

How many sentences should the introductory paragraph have?

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An introductory paragraph should include two to four sentences.

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Question

How many sources do I need in a rhetorical analysis essay?

Samantha Kissell

Community Answer

It depends on the number of sources you were given. When I had to write my rhetorical essay we only had one source available. The best advice I can give you is citing whatever you decided to use to write your essay.

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What does syntax mean?

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Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.

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Question

What should I do to make an analysis of a fairy tale?

Community Answer

You'd do the same thing you would do with any other text you are analyzing: work your way through it, one section at a time, identifying the strategies which the author is using and the effects each is intended to have on the audience.

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Question

Do I have to use a transition word in the beginning of each paragraph when writing a rhetorical analysis?

Community Answer

No. Sometimes a transition is phrase, not just one word. Sometimes it comes at the end of the previous paragraph, leading your audience naturally to the next point in the case you are building.

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Question

How do I know exactly where to start in the rhetorical essay? I have an introduction but I don't know where to go from there.

Community Answer

Start your first body paragraph with the first rhetorical device in your thesis. This will provide a road map that will help guide the reader throughout the essay.

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Question

How do I do a rhetorical analysis of a song?

Community Answer

The rhetorical analysis of a song is similar to that of an essay. Who is speaking, who are they speaking to, what is the song about, why was it written or what was the story behind the song? These questions can help you analyze the song.

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