topics to write a rhetorical essay on

210 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Table of contents

1 What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?
2 How to Choose a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic?
3 Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Topics
4 Rhetorical Analysis Ideas For High School Students
5 Rhetorical Analysis Topics for College Students
6 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Education
7 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Literature
8 Rhetorical Analysis Topics List on Speeches
9 Visual Rhetorical Essay Topics
10 Topics for a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on Society
11 Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay on a Person
12 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Philosophy
13 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on History
14 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Business
15 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Government
16 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Culture
17 Conclusion

With any rhetorical analysis essay writing, effective communication is everything. If you’re a student or want to elevate your persuasive skills, learning how to engage your readers is the first step.

When it comes to selecting thought-provoking rhetorical analysis topics, where do you begin? This is where a wise companion in PapersOwl comes in handy. With this seasoned guide, you can easily navigate the complex world of rhetorical analysis. Until then, take a look at our extensive collection of topics that’ll get your creative juices flowing.

We have created a list of 210 essays that will inspire you to craft a powerful academic essay. These rhetorical analysis paper topics cater to all skill levels too.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

This type of analysis essay identifies the rhetorical devices and strategies used by an author, all while highlighting how they have used words to sway their audience.

For example, a rhetorical paper looks at an influential political speech through purpose, key claims, and tone. In an essay, students cover by following a structured approach.

Introduction. Students present the text, author, and thesis statement. These outline the main argument or points of the analysis.
Main body paragraphs. These delve into specific strategies, appeals, and devices to support the analysis. Make your essay authentic by keeping it true to the facts.
Conclusion. The end wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points. It will also discuss the effectiveness of the persuasive techniques.

How to Choose a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic?

Finding the right topic comes down to writing about something you’re familiar with. This is because you’ll need to showcase insightful analysis to write a rhetorical analysis essay successfully. The best way to do this is to make sure the rhetorical topics you pick are something you’re interested in.

Tip 1. Start by identifying the rhetorical situation essay topics that interest you. This will make background research and thematic analysis that much more enjoyable. Then ask yourself:

What subjects or themes are intriguing for you to rhetorically analyze?
Are there specific rhetorical analysis example topics in your field of study that you excel in or are passionate about?
Have you studied similar subjects or texts in the past that might help your rhetorical analysis assignment ideas come to life?

Tip 2. Choose from rhetorical analysis ideas that match your interests and expertise. Select rhetoric research paper topics relevant to your course or subject area. And make sure there is enough information to write a defined argument. It needs to be complex enough to allow a thorough literary analysis of the themes and the most valuable rhetorical strategies.

Tip 3. Make sure the rhetorical analysis paper topic is suitable. It will need to meet the expectations of rhetorical analysis topics. This means highlighting the importance symbolism plays in the author’s message.

Is there enough emotional depth and background research for you to work with?
Can you cover the rhetorical situation within the word limit?
Is it interesting enough to engage your reader?

Need help with essay writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Here, you’ll rhetorically analyze two texts by similarities, differences, and effectiveness. Sometimes, though, a critical eye is needed. This is when students seek a reputable analytical essay writing service like PapersOwl for help. Here you’ll find expert advice on the most effective academic writing so that you can study with peace of mind.

The Persuasive Techniques Used By Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X In Their Speeches.
Does Innovation Outweigh Invention?
Washington Vs. Lincoln.
What Is Better For The Economy: Traditional Postal Service Or Email?
The Persuasive Techniques Of Apple And Samsung In Advertisements.
The Persuasive Devices Of President Biden’s Speech Vs. President Obama’s Speech.
Classical Conditioning Or Operant Conditioning. Which Is More Practical?
The Art Of The Greeks And The Romans.
What Drives Business Growth In 2023. E-Commerce Or Traditional?
Education Or Life Without It?
The Use Of Persuasion In Barack Obama’s And Donald Trump’s Presidential Speeches.
Command Economy Or The Free Market.
Philosophy Vs. Religion.
Ethos, Pathos, And Logos In Op-Ed Articles By Conservative And Liberal Columnists.
Persuasive Techniques Used In Public Service Announcements On Smoking And Drug Abuse.

Rhetorical Analysis Ideas For High School Students

These easy rhetorical analysis topics encourage students to examine all forms of communication. A rhetorical analysis essay requires looking at written texts, acceptance speeches, or visuals.

It will also help you develop critical thinking skills by understanding how language is used to achieve a particular goal.

A Rhetorical Analysis On The Meaning Of Mona Lisa’s Smile.
How William Shakespeare Became Known As The Greatest Writer In The World.
The Final Speech Of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Reasons For WW2.
Novels And Movies About “Frankenstein”: Similarities And Differences.
The Impact Of Electronic Media On Culture.
Why Do Films And TV Fail to Capture The Full Essence Of The Books They Are Based On?
Heroism As Defined By J. K. Rowling And J. R. R. Tolkien.
A Detailed Analysis Of TV And Online Advertisement.
The Power Of Social Media: A Rhetoric Paper
How Sherlock Holmes Is Perceived On TV And Why Not Everyone Likes Him.
Why Do People Write Fan Fiction?
My School Principal’s Speech.
William Shakespeare’s “Romeo And Juliet”: An Analysis.
Why Are Dogs Known As “Man’s Best Friend”?

Rhetorical Analysis Topics for College Students

These detailed rhetorical analysis topics cover complex primary themes and issues. Through rhetorical analysis, college students learn how language sends a message.

You’ll also improve your own persuasive writing skills by looking at the different types of rhetorical analysis.

The Use Of Parallelism, Repetition, And Allusion In Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” Speech.
Do Women Or Men React Better To Media Advertisement Messages?
How Does Online Content Manipulate Persuasive Devices?
What Effect Does Music Have On Film And TV?
The Persuasive Devices Of The American National Anthem.
Symbolism In Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”.
How Syrian Politics Sparked War.
The Persuasive Techniques Used In A Popular Advertisement Or Commercial.
Why Are Ted Talks So Popular?
How Does An Influential Newspaper Editorial Manipulate Rhetoric Devices To Benefit Its Argument?
My Favorite Poem By William Shakespeare.
The Impact Of A Popular Social Media Influencer’s Posts Or Videos.
Rhetorical Devices In Famous Song Lyrics
The Use Of Metaphor In A Speech From Your School Director On Graduation Day.
The Effectiveness Of Rhetoric Devices In A Well-Known Op-Ed Or Opinion Piece.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Education

An essay topic on education looks at different forms of communication. You’ll analyze the author’s purpose, as well as their emotional appeal.

All while understanding the nuances of educational discussions and elevating your analytical skills.

Education System And Educational Technologies .
Importance Of Time Management Skills .
Integration Of America’s Public Schools .
Standardized Testing In Measuring Students’ Academic Performance.
A Detailed Analysis Essay On The “No Child Left Behind” Policy.
The Persuasive Techniques Used In Debates Surrounding Homeschooling Versus Traditional Schooling.
An Analysis Essay On The Proponents And Opponents Of School Vouchers.
The Language And Persuasive Strategies Used In Promoting Stem Education In Schools.
An Analysis Essay On Inclusive Education And Its Impact On Special Needs.
The Arguments For And Against Implementing Technology In The Classroom.
The Role Of Standardized Curricula In Fostering Critical Thinking And Creativity In Students.
Promoting Social-Emotional Learning In Schools.
The Role Of Teachers’ Unions In Shaping Educational Policies And Outcomes.
Examining Peer Research Papers On The Arguments For And Against Implementing School Uniforms.
How Policymakers Use Rhetorical Devices To Debate How Teachers’ Unions Shape Education.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Literature

Authors, poets, and playwrights use a variety of forms of communication in their literary works. Through them, you’ll learn how authors create meaningful literary pieces and gain an appreciation of novels rhetorical strategies.

Symbolism And Literary Devices In “The Lord Of The Rings” Trilogy.
The Significance Of Stream-Of-Consciousness Narrative Style In Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”.
The Literary Texts Of William Shakespeare.
Examine The Use Of Rhetorical Devices In A Famous Poem, Such As Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”.
What Does Solitude Symbolize In 21st-Century Literary Texts Compared To The 20th Century?
Analyzing The Persuasive Strategies Used By Simone De Beauvoir In “The Second Sex”.
A Detailed Analysis Essay On The Primary Themes Present In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”.
Different Rhetorical Devices In “The Bible”.
The Rhetoric Devices And Symbolism Of Stephen King.
The Power Of Symbolism And Metaphor In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”.
The Literary Devices Of “Pride And Prejudice” And How They’re Still Relevant Today.
Gender And Power In Jane Austen’s “Pride And Prejudice”.
Romanticism In William Wordsworth’s Poem “Tintern Abbey”.
How Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” Confronts Issues Of Racial Injustice
The Influence Of Gothic Elements In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” And “The Fall Of The House Of Usher”.

Rhetorical Analysis Topics List on Speeches

The speech topics for an analysis essay focus on analyzing the elements of a speech. You’ll go deep into the speaker’s choice of words, tone, delivery style, use of rhetorical devices, and the structure of the speech.

By evaluating these components, a detailed rhetorical analysis reveals the speaker’s underlying strategies. Then you can explain how the techniques engage, persuade, and inspire their target audience.

Rhetorical Analysis Of Barack Obama’s Victory Speech .
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Speeches By Greta Thunberg And David Attenborough.
The 1588 Speech By Queen Elizabeth on The Spanish Armada.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Susan B. Anthony’s “On Women’s Right To Vote” Speech.
Commencement Speeches By Influential Figures Like Steve Jobs And Oprah Winfrey.
The Role Of Emotional Appeal In Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Winston Churchill In His “We Shall Fight On The Beaches” Speech.
An Examination Of Logos In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.
The Persuasive Power Of Repetition In The Famous “Yes We Can” Speech By Barack Obama.
How Rhetorical Devices Vary In Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk To Freedom” Speech.
The Effectiveness Of Analogy And Anecdote In Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address.
The Impact Of Tone And Pacing In George Washington’s Resignation Speech.
The Use Of Persuasive Strategies In Malcolm X’s “The Ballot Or The Bullet” Speech
The Effect Of Formal Or Informal Language In Speech Delivery.
The Impact Of Persuasive Techniques In Greta Thunberg’s “How Dare You” Speech At The United Nations Climate Action Summit.

Visual Rhetorical Essay Topics

Visual essays explore how the things we see persuade a target audience and evoke emotional responses. The things you’ll look at with visual analysis essay writing include color, layout, and concrete or abstract images. By doing so, you’ll learn how visual communication impacts our media-rich society.

A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Use Of Color Symbolism In Political Campaign Posters.
The Impact Of Visual Metaphors In Advertising On Consumer Behavior.
The Role Of Typography And Font Choice In Conveying A Message In Graphic Design.
Examining The Use Of Pathos In Public Service Announcements Related To Climate Change.
The Persuasive Power Of Visual Storytelling In Documentary Films.
How Social Media Platforms Use Visuals To Shape User Behaviors And Opinions.
The Influence Of Iconic Photographs On Public Perception Of Historical Events.
A Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Memes And Their Role In Shaping Online Discourse.
Developing A Brand Identity Through Visual Symbols And Logos.
The Role Of Visual Composition In Enhancing The Persuasiveness Of Infographics.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Impact Of Editorial Cartoons On Shaping Public Opinion.
How Visual Metaphors In Music Videos Influence Viewers’ Interpretations Of The Song.
The Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Visual Arts In The Streets.
How Visual Rhetorical Composition Is Used In Propaganda Posters To Evoke Nationalistic Emotions.
Visual Aesthetics in Aligning Branding With A Target Audience.

Topics for a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on Society

A rhetorical essay on society examines how language influences or critiques societal concerns. Through all types of media, you learn how certain strategies persuade or inform an audience about social issues.

Unconscious Racism And How It Affects People Of Color .
Racism And Shootings .
Why The Color Of Your Skin Does Not Matter .
The Biggest Problem In The United States Of America Is Illegal Immigrants .
The Problem Of Mass Shootings
Gun Violence .
The Role Of Persuasion In Environmental Activism And Climate Change Debates.’
A Rhetorical Analysis Paper On The Persuasive Techniques In Advertisements Targeting Societal Issues.
The Influence Of Celebrity Endorsements On Public Opinion And Social Issues.
The Language And Symbols Used In Anti-Bullying Campaigns.
A Rhetorical Analysis Paper On The LGBTQ+ Community.
Public Health Campaigns Addressing Mental Health Stigma.
A Detailed Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Discourse Surrounding The Legalization Of Marijuana.
The Power Of Language In Promoting Or Challenging Racial Stereotypes.
The Influence Of Rhetorical Devices In Attitudes Toward Wealth Inequality And Social Mobility.

Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay on a Person

An outstanding rhetorical analysis paper looks at persuasive strategies to understand the writer’s intention. These essays examine how someone uses language to shape public opinion or inspire change.

Nikola Tesla – The Inventor Behind It All .
Changes By Tupac .
President Donald Trump And His Politics .
About Fidel Castro .
How Steve Jobs Used Persuasive Strategies To Reinvent Apple And Inspire Consumer Loyalty.
The Distinct Rhetoric Of Greta Thunberg In Her Climate Change Activism.
Analyzing The Persuasive Techniques Of Elon Musk’s Public Presentations And Interviews.
The Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Susan B. Anthony’s Fight For Women’s Suffrage.
Do Abstract Images Matter? What Does Boo Radley Represent In “To Kill A Mockingbird”?
The Rhetorical Composition Of Malala Yousafzai In Her Advocacy For Girls’ Education.
Nelson Mandela’s Fight Against Apartheid.
Dissecting The Persuasive Strategies Of Adolf Hitler In His Propaganda Campaigns.
The Persuasive Techniques Employed By Mahatma Gandhi In His Fight For Indian Independence.
How Winston Churchill Inspired A Nation During World War 2.
Maya Angelou In Her Poems And Speeches: A Rhetorical Analysis Essay.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Philosophy

Philosophers use persuasive techniques, arguments, and linguistic choices in their rhetorical analysis essays to convey their ideas. It will be your job to define their impact by looking at how they engage and convince their readers.

You’ll learn how philosophical concepts are presented and articulated, and you’ll develop your analytical abilities.

The Calvinistic Doctrine Of Predestination .
The Use Of Persuasive Devices In Plato’s “Allegory Of The Cave”.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Descartes’ “Cogito, Ergo Sum” Argument.
Persuasive Techniques Used By Immanuel Kant In His “Critique Of Pure Reason”.
A Linguistic Examination Of John Locke’s “A Rhetorical Essay Concerning Human Understanding”.
The Role Of Ethos, Logos, And Pathos In Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “The Social Contract”.
The Persuasive Strategies Of Friedrich Nietzsche In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”.
Analysis Of The Socratic Method In “Dialogues” By Plato.
Persuasive Language In John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty”.
Rhetorical Devices In “Leviathan” By Thomas Hobbes.
Metaphor And Symbolism In Søren Kierkegaard’s “Fear And Trembling”.
Linguistic Examination Of Martin Heidegger’s “Being And Time”.
The Persuasive Power Of Bertrand Russell’s “Why I Am Not A Christian”.
Analyze Main Rhetorical Devices In Ludwig Wittgenstein’s “Philosophical Investigations”.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Language Of Metaphysics In George Berkeley’s “A Treatise Concerning The Principles Of Human Knowledge”.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on History

History essays examine and check historical speeches, texts, and events through the lens of expression.

These rhetorical analysis topics will have you studying the words of influential figures throughout history. And how their messages shaped public opinion through the power of language and persuasion.

The Civil War .
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The “Zimmermann Telegram” And Its Impact On World War I
The Debates Surrounding The U.S. Constitution.
American Revolution And The Declaration Of Independence.
Persuasive Techniques In The Abolitionist Movement
The Persuasive Power Of Queen Elizabeth I’s Speech To The Troops At Tilbury.
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” Pamphlet.
The Speeches Of Marcus Tullius Cicero And Their Impact On Roman Society.
Emancipation Proclamation. Analyzing Abraham Lincoln’s Use Of Diction.
Techniques Employed In The Women’s Suffrage Movement.
The Use Of Persuasive Expression In The Civil Rights Movement.
Wartime Propaganda Posters.
European Union Formation Through Written And Spoken Persuasive Techniques.
The Cuban Missile Crisis.
1979 Iranian Revolution.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Business

The business rhetorical analysis examines how communication achieves specific goals. These rhetoric topics look at how marketing campaigns or business proposals affect society.

Disney Is Destroying Lives
Completely Legal For Walmart To Hire Many Part Time Workers
Brexit Bad For Business Ain’t It
Insights Into The Power Of Storytelling In Business Presentations.
Campaigns Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility Have Great Power
Rhetorical Strategies Used In Customer Testimonials And Reviews To Persuade Potential Clients.
The Persuasive Techniques Used By Businesses To Promote Environmentally-Friendly Practices.
How Spoken And Written Techniques Reinforce Or Challenge Traditional Gender Roles In The Workplace.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On How Businesses Respond To Public Relations Disasters.
Exploring The Language That Conveys Corporate Values And Mission Statements.
The Impact Of Social Media Influencers On Business Promotion.
The Persuasive Techniques Used In “Shark Tank” Pitches And Startup Competitions.
Exploring The Strategies Used By Businesses To Regain Trust After Controversies Or Scandals.
From Commercials To Viral Ad Campaigns: How Advertising Works In 2023.
How Companies Persuade Other Organizations To Collaborate Or Form Partnerships.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Government

These rhetorical analysis topics cover political speeches to propaganda in policy documents.

You’ll learn how language and tone rally support for specific initiatives. As well as develop a deeper appreciation for this topic’s influence on political discourse.

What Does Change Mean In Us History?
United States Key Role In Support Of Human Rights .
Essay About Brown V. Board Of Education .
Police Brutality And Abuse Towards Blacks .
The Language And Communication Strategies Used In International Diplomacy.
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Political Party Platforms And How They Attract Voters.
Shaping Public Opinion On Controversial Legislation.
A Global Village Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Success Or Failure Of Social Movements.
A Rhetoric Analysis Of The Impact Of Language In The Framing Of National Security Issues.
The Role Of Persuasion In The Portrayal Of Political Figures In The Media.
Examining The Language And Communication Strategies Used In Political Crisis Management.
Shaping Public Discourse On Controversial Topics Through Rhetorical Analysis.
Promoting Specific Government Policies Through Written And Spoken Strategy.
The Rhetorical Richness Of Visual Arts In Media.
The Use Of Emotional Appeals In Government Public Service Announcements.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Culture

Culture-specific rhetorical strategies contribute to the unique characteristics of different societies. And studying them encourages the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Through language, you will learn how cultural norms, values, and traditions are conveyed and reinforced.

Women And Men Pay Gap
Thinking Queerly: Race, Sex, Gender
Abortion Illegal
The Society Acceptance Of LGBT
A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Relationship Between Popular Culture And Consumer Behavior.
Cultural Festivals And Their Impact On Societal Values.
The Influence Of Social Media On The Evolution Of Cultural Trends.
Persuasive Language In Cultural Documentaries.
Literary Persuasion In The Promotion And Preservation Of Cultural Heritage.
Popular Art Criticism.
Cultural Stereotypes: Perceptions and Acceptances.
Language And Communication Strategies Used In Cultural Diplomacy.
Mainstream Media’s Representation Of Minority Cultures.
Language And Symbolism In Traditional Cultural Rituals.
Cultural And Artistic Movements Throughout History

Rhetorical analysis is a fascinating way to explore the power of language and persuasion. Understanding methods used to persuade and improve analytical skills is essential for students.

Luckily, there are 210 essay topics to select from here, so there is no shortage of good rhetorical analysis topics to explore.

From the speeches of world leaders to advertisements, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the art of persuasion. Furthermore, you learn how to use rhetorical devices to captivate audiences by analyzing popular media.

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200 rhetorical analysis topics for students in 2023.

The first thing to note when writing anything on rhetorical analysis is that the essay requires you having a wide and in-depth knowledge about the specific topic you’ll be basing your essay on. A good mastery of rhetorical essay topics entails the ability to write effectively.

Sometimes, the challenge looks like not knowing where to begin. But, understanding that a rhetorical analysis essay requires the writer to deeply and accurately analyze a piece of work and make a plausible argument with supporting evidence about it will give you an edge when crafting and choosing a topic.

However, rhetorical analysis topics are majorly predominant in topics associated with the arts but are also not limited to it. Topics can be based on literature, movies, billboards, popular culture, ads, speeches, and even ordinary human conversations.

Aside from understanding what rhetorical topics are, having ample information about any selected topic is crucial as it helps to develop sound rhetorical analysis ideas. Here are some topics you can base your rhetorical analysis essay topics on.

Rhetorical Essay Topics to Choose From

In any rhetorical essay, what the writer does is highlight a problem, carry out extensive analysis on the listed problem to make a strong-base argument on the subject matter.

A rhetorical essay isn’t complete without sound backup evidence to the highlighted problem. Carrying out an essay writing of this form requires you to have done thorough research on whatever you will be writing on.

Knowing how to choose smart topics for rhetorical analysis isn’t enough to write the essay, there must be the existence of extensively done research as this enables the writing to come fully alive. Rhetorical analysis topics list can look like.

Do social media encourage low productivity in young adults?
Rhetorical Analysis of Shonda Rhimes’s How to Get Away with Murder
Obama’s first presidential speech
A textual analysis of Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life
Analysis of Dove ’s beauty Ads over the last 5 years
A Feminist look at Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own
Importance of complex themes in American TV shows and Movies
Analysis of the Instagram aesthetics and what it entails
The role of symbolism in Literature and art piece
The work of representation in Popular Culture
TV shows: That’s what I Like and Here’s Why you should too
The implication of Horror movies on middle and preschoolers
Do Smartphones encourage low productivity in Young Adults or not?
The impact of Diversity representation in Hollywood
A cultural exploration of Beyoncé’s Lemonade
Madam CJ Walker, Diversity beauty-representation
Explicit sexual exploration: the Hip Hop culture
Purity culture an offspring of Rape culture
Social exploration of the movie adaptation of Les Misérables
Does Social media obscure reality or not?
Rhetorical analysis: Mom blogs and the role they play within the society
The Hidden Reality of Foodbanks in the American system
Welfare mom, bad mom?
Analyze the political implications of George Orwell’s Animal Farm
The unsettling effect of Dan Fogelman’s This Life
Homeschooling, the bane of many high school students.
The impacts of gaming on preschoolers
How PBS for Kids has changed the Parenting game
The Role of the Erotica: The poems by E. E Cummings
The absurdity of the Afterlife

Rhetorical Situation Essay Topics for 2023

Before embarking on choosing any essay topic in a rhetorical situation, you must first understand the role of rhetoric in writing. Good rhetorical analysis essay topics aim to compel action through oral, written, visual, and sound forms. Rhetorical analysis compels the reader or the present audience to reassess their perspectives based on what you are saying or have written.

A good rhetorical analysis essay topic primarily seeks to capture the base attention of the reader or audience. One of the most common situations where rhetorics come in handy is in the political field.

However, rhetorical situation essays are impassioned, affective and are intended to capture the emotion of the reader or the audience; luring emotion is its basic and most tactical style for a call to action.

How the legislation on Birth Control pills has resulted in the untimely death of Women in rural areas
The rise of inflation and its resulting consequences in low-income homes
Was capitalism not okay enough? How the pandemic has displaced even more households
How does Popular Culture contribute to the continuous subjugation of women
Rape, teen pregnancy and the delegitimization of birth control pills: How they all conjure to control women’s bodies
Television is helping us understand the complexities of human lives
How the epidemic of drug abuse and its prevalence affects the lives of young Americans in the Deep South
Gun Control: Why we should pay attention to guns rather than women’s bodies
How lack of access and poverty is affecting homeschooling for young Americans
Paying low-income workers below minimum wage is a late capitalist concept
Gentrification: how it’s displacing people from their communities and homes
Capitalism is the main reason why millennials can’t afford to buy a house
The capitalist undertones of the “black to office” maximum
The Vernacular of Fatphobia in American Popular Culture
This is why America isn’t Post-racial
Myth: The Post-racial American Society
Why the rhetoric “The Future of Remote Work is Lonely” is a Myth
The Fatphobia of the American Wellness Culture
How Homeschooling is Demoralizing Teachers
Navigating various identities: the reality of the immigrant household
The Big lessons from Covid era: the diminishing returns of Hyper-productivity
What it means to be displaced within a Pandemic
Rhetorical Analysis of the Work Culture
The Unrealized myth of Self-care culture
The US Women as Social safety nets
Analysis of how Email became Work
What the Pandemic has taught workers about Unionism
The insidious nature of work culture and how it contributes to Burnouts
How Publishing is promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
Want it means to live within a pandemic as a low-income worker

30 Rhetorical Analysis Example Topics

The challenge that students often face when asked to write a rhetorical essay is the problem of how to craft a topic that best conveys their thoughts as well as that which they can grasp easily and have adequate available and accessible information on.

There are so many researchable ideas to write on; the hitch is often crafting your topic into something capable of inciting attention and encouraging conversations.

This is because, in rhetorics and persuasive writing, the rhetorical analysis topics for essay are also of crucial importance as much as the content. Here are some easy rhetorical analysis topics.

Why is Disneyland referred to as the Happiest Place on the Planet Earth
Why free Sanitary items is essential in every public space
The impact of Hip Hop in growing the Feminist Consciousness
Ted Talk: How it gives and encourages voices
Why Some blogs become Influential within a short period
The Myth of Consistency is Key
How Access is Key
How Shame culture emerged from Respectability Culture
Calling Survivors of Abuse Victims is Derogatory
How Speaking up exposes Survivors to more Harm
Analysis of Cancel Culture and Social Media Justice
The Importance of Commercials on Tv
How Commercials promote Falsehood
The impacts of Colorism and the Issue of Color Complex
A Room of One’s Own : The coming of Virginia Woolf before her time
A Rhetorical Analysis of Reality Tv
This is how Commercials can be more Relatable
How Relatability Tv impacts us
The importance of Inclusivity, Diversity, and Representation in Popular Culture
The Therapeutic effect of Representation
The Therapeutic effect of Yoga and Meditation
Why Low-income Workers should be exempted from Tax
The Ripple Effect of the Internet on Young Adults
Where the realistic depiction of Tv begins and ends
An Existential analytical approach to the works of Sylvia Path
The Rhetorical strategy in Frederick Douglas’ Memoir
Rhetoric as style in Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream
Why the Bob Dylan Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 was deserving
Award Culture is slowly Killing Creativity
A Historical approach to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

Ideas on Rhetoric Research Paper Topics

Every writing within academia hinges on the effective use of rhetorical situation essay topics; this is because the basis of everything done within academia is to impact ideas through the use of language and this language is usually persuasive in nature even while it seeks to educate.

For university students, it’s most likely very rare that you can run away from rhetoric research paper topics during your school year, in fact, it’s a prerequisite while in school.

It comes in the form of assignments, research, and term papers. If you are looking for topics, there are a variety of good topics to write a rhetorical analysis on. Below is a list of rhetorical analysis assignment ideas.

An Analysis of the Rhetorical Device implored in Beowulf
A Case study of Contemporary Popular Culture
The political and social implications of 90’s Hip Hop
A Comparative Analysis of Tv shows and Movies
The Futility of the American Dream as explored in F.S Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
The Symbolic exploration of “The Green Light” in The Great Gatsby
The Impact of Technological Innovation on American Student’s attention span
The Misogyny of the American Entertainment Industry
Structural Racism: The Mother of Gentrification
The Growing Concern of the Broken American Childcare System
The Triumph and the Bold Rhetorics employed in Diversity Tv
Restructuring: Why Diversity, Inclusivity, and Representation should be Championed
Purity Culture: A social construct that seeks to control women’s body
The representation distinction in the movie adaptation of Push and the book
A Comparative Analysis of Digital Literature and Traditional Literature
Innovation: The growing effects of Technological advancement
Late Capitalism: Self-care culture as a tool
The need for Inclusivity in the discussion of Beauty Culture
American Gun Culture and how it perpetuates greater harm
Domestic Violence, Abuse: The Battered Woman Syndrome
Affirmative Action: A Tool for Subjugation and Intellectual Relegation of the Minority Communities
Race Relations: The future of the American System
The Intrinsic effect of the exploration and promotion of interracial marriage on American popular Culture
Obesity: The distinction between Fatphobia and a need for Medical Attention
The Evolution of Identity Politics within the American System
Diversity Higher: Why America Needs a quick Racial intervention
A Comparative Study of 90s Hip Hop Culture and early 2010s Hip Hop
Rape Culture, Victim Blaming: The need to listen to Survivors
The Explicit Way American Hip Hop Explores Abuse and Misogyny
The Institutional Bias of the American System

Rhetorical Argument Essay Topics

When writing an argumentative essay, rhetoric is employed as the tool to not just convey thoughts and opinions but also to capture the interest of the audience or reader(s).

In any rhetorical argument essay, the writer must employ ethos, pathos, and logos as this enables the writer to navigate the topic better. For every form of rhetorical argumentative essay, there has to be a thoroughly carried out research, an understanding of the audience, a solid thesis statement, and the use of a writing style that captures attention.

The basis of an argumentative essay is that it must contain persuasive elements, without that, the argument isn’t complete. Here are some rhetorical argument essay topics to look into while writing your essay.

Can Drug Abuse be Contained by Legalizing and Regulating certain Drugs?
High-end and Fast fashion, how does it contribute to the Unhealthy lifestyle in our environment
Does a Democratic system have any significant drawbacks?
Why working moms and nursing moms should be given more workplace privilege
Why Maternal paid leave should be legalized
Is Cyberbullying capable of affecting mental health?
Should Diversity Higher, Affirmative Action and Inclusivity be made mandatory?
Does Feminism obscure the need for women to lash out at their fellow women?
Is Religion really the Opium of the Masses as Suggested by Karl Max?
Are there significant drawbacks to marrying off of a Dating App?
How Social Media Fame negatively impacts one’s real-life experiences
Is the presence of Artificial Intelligence going to lead to human extinction?
How hyperactivity on Social media plays out in impacting loneliness
Is there a possibility of Electronic money wiping out paper money?
Can human society experience growth without the presence of technology?
Is the consistent attachment to cell phones contributing to depression and anxiety?
Do public cameras infringe on individual privacy?
Is sustainable living capable of helping us reverse Climate Change?
Limiting Children’s screen time, does it contribute to their academic growth?
Should people be encouraged to use Marijuana now its health benefits have been dictated?
Are Academic Stress and excessive academic workload a form of psychological torture?
Has homeschooling improved the nature and operation of the school system?
Does beauty pageantry influence the concept and idea of beauty in society?
Is it Ethical to demand maternity leave for fathers?
Is Killing a Murderer a Punishable offense?
Should High school children be introduced to sex education in school?
How does the knowledge of sex education impact high schoolers?
Lecturer-Student friendship: is it an ethical practice?
Are students supposed to bring school work back home?
Impromptu test within the University system: Cancelled or Promoted?
Does access to so much information lead to Misinformation?
Does homeschooling contribute to students’ anti-socialism?
Should College Education be made completely free?
Will free education make or mar the performance of the academic institution?
Is GPA a sound determinant of intelligence?

Visual Rhetoric Essay Topics

There are different means through which rhetoric can be employed as a communication feature. Rhetorics occur in oral form, in written format as well as in the visual display. Visual rhetoric essay topics detail effective communication that is attained through the use and analysis of visual images, this is what differentiates it from other forms of rhetorical essays.

Communication through visual presentation has been noted to be effective and visual rhetoric makes communication and understanding very easy. It occurs in movies, painting, commercials, and other forms of art exploration.

For college students, especially those majoring in media studies and visual arts, assignments usually fall under visual rhetoric essays and visual text analysis. Here are some of the topics to look at within this subject matter.

Analyze the impact of TV Commercials and Ads on consumers
A case study of a prominent Hollywood production and the visual arts involved
Rhetorical analysis of the emotional appeals employed in web ads
Dissecting the ad of a TV Commercial and its implications
The emotional appeal within the movie The Help and permeates the entire Movie
A critical exploration of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa Painting
The use of Lighting and Effect in Movies and what they Signify
The Cinematography of a Movie: A Language of its own
How Visual Commercials influence us more than Written Commercials
An exploration of the use of visuals in marketing
Analysis of Yellow Journalism
What is the most effective visual ad you’ve seen and how did it influence you towards a product?
How Visual ads increase people’s purchasing power
An in-depth analysis of effective visual campaigns
How TV influences our understanding of and our relation to society

Having a Hard Time Thinking of Rhertorical Analysis Topics?

Writing a rhetorical essay can be quite tasking as it requires that you embark on extensive research, digging through myriad materials in order to have a substantial essay. What is required to achieve a sound essay can really be a lot of work especially if you’re already engulfed with other activities. Nevertheless, there is the presence of fast expert writers online that offer essay writing help to you in any situation. Our essay writing service isn’t just high quality but is also very cheap. You do not just get the value of a great job, but also the promise of high grades and a stress-free and reliable service.

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70 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Secondary ELA

May 28, 2019 // by Lindsay Ann // 8 Comments

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Before we get to the rhetorical analysis essay prompts (a.k.a. tons of ready-to-analyze texts at your fingertips), let’s take a time-out to lay the groundwork for understanding a rhetorical analysis essay using ethos, pathos, and logos.

Rhetoric is Defined As…

Put simply, rhetoric refers to any technique an author uses to persuade an audience.

Or, the behind-the-scenes choices an author makes to give you all the feels.

Chances are, if you consider a text or speech to be really good , rhetorical techniques are working like a master puppeteer to pull at your heart strings, make an impact on your brain, and get you to let down your guard because you trust the author or speaker.

That’s why political figures have speech writers.

That’s why authors spend time fine-tuning their words and sentences.

Rhetoric is important.

In addition, rhetoric goes back to the ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, the “father” of rhetoric.

The Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Moving on, if rhetoric is the art of persuasion, then the rhetorical analysis essay analyzes how an author or speaker creates opportunity for persuasion in his/her text.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay involves understanding of context and occasion for writing. It also involves understanding the subject matter of the speech and intended audience.

Beyond this, noticing how the author uses rhetorical appeals and rhetorical devices to impact the target audience can help you to write an in-depth rhetorical essay analysis.

The BEST Rhetoric Topics

As a teacher, I’m always in search of engaging texts for students to analyze. In this post, I’m sharing the best speeches, advertisements, and essays for rhetorical analysis. You’ll never run out of rhetorical analysis essay topics again!

So, you’ll definitely want to stop right now and pin this post.

Your future English-teacher-self will thank you.

47 Rhetoric Examples in Speeches

The following speeches work well individually, but I’ve also tried to add value by pairing texts together.

Whether you’re analyzing rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos or looking at rhetorical devices, these speeches will work for discussion or as the text for a rhetorical analysis essay.

Gettysburg Monologue in Remember the Titans – Pair with “ The Gettysburg Address ” by Abraham Lincoln
“ Full Power of Women ” by Priyanka Chopra – Pair with Emma Watson’s speech on the Power of Women
Speech from Finding Forrester – Pair with “ Integrity ” by Warren Buffet
Red’s Parole Hearing from Shawshank Redemption – Pair with the Freedom Speech from Braveheart
Ending Scene from The Breakfast Club – Pair with “ The Danger of a Single Story ” by Chimamanda Ngozi Achichi
Authentic Swing Speech from The Legend of Bagger Vance – Pair with “ How Winning is Done ” from Rocky Balboa
Maximus’ Speech to Commodus from Gladiator – Pair with The Revolutionary Speech from V for Vendetta
The Natural State of Mankind from Amistad – Pair with “ Our Diversity Makes Us Who We Are ” by Michelle Obama
Denzel Washington’s Dillard University Commencement Speech – Pair with “ The Last Lecture ” by Randy Pausch
“ Like Pieces of Glass in my Head ” from The Green Mile – Pair with “ Eulogy for Beau Biden ” by Barack Obama
Oprah’s 2018 Golden Globes speech – Pair with Seth Myers’ Golden Globes Monologue and/or Ellen says #MeToo
Independence Day speech – Pair with Aragorn’s Helm’s Deep Speech from LOTR: The Two Towers
Pair “I am Human” & “Love Liberates” , both by Maya Angelou
Pink’s VMA acceptance speech – Pair with “ If I Should Have a Daughter ” by Sarah Kay
Ellen’s People’s Choice Humanitarian Award Acceptance Speech – Pair with “ Pep Talk ” by Kid President
Gandalf Speaks to Frodo in Moria from LOTR : Fellowship of the Ring – Pair with Sam’s Speech in LOTR: The Two Towers
Obama’s Final Farewell Speech – Pair with Al Pacino’s Any Given Sunday speech – clean version
Harvard Graduation Speech by Donovan Livingston – Pair with Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech
“ Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator ” by Tim Urban – Pair with “ Five Second Rule ” by Mel Robbins
Rachel Hollis “Inspire Women to be Their Best” (mild profanity)
My Philosophy for a Happy Life by Sam Berns
“ To this Day: For the Bullied and the Beautiful ” by Shane Koyczan – Pair with Kid President’s “ Pep Talk to Teachers and Students “
“ The Power of Introverts ” by Susan Cain – Pair with “ Don’t Let Others Stop You From Living Your Own Truth “

Rhetoric in Advertising: 23 Examples

This next list holds a blend of print advertisements and commercials, perfect for introducing close reading and rhetorical analysis and for writing a rhetorical analysis essay.

Ads are short, but pack a punch. Honestly, my students love analyzing the rhetoric of advertisements a lot because they are accessible and visual.

Rhetoric Commercials & Print Advertisements

“ Web of Fries “
Duracell “ Teddy Bear ” Commercial
Apple 1984 Commercial Introducing the New Macintosh Computer
Nike “ Find Your Greatness ” Ads
Pepsi, Superbowl 53 Commercial: “ More than Okay ”
“ Get a Mac ” Commercial Compilation
“ Can You Hear Me Now ” Verizon Wireless
Apple iPhone X – “ Unlock ”
Kiwi “ First Steps ” Print Advertisement
Vauxhall’s Backwards Cinderella
Lego Print Advertisement
Top 10 Powerful Ads of 2014

Rhetoric of the Image

Entourage NGO for the Homeless Print Advertisement Images
33 Creative Print Ads
Protege Group
Greenpeace Print Advertisement Collection
“ Divorce Furniture “
L’Oréal Paris: “This Ad Is For Men, 1 ” L’Oréal Paris: “This Ad Is For Men, 2 ” L’Oréal Paris: “This Ad Is For Men, 3 ”
“ It’s Not Acceptable to Treat a Woman Like One”
“ 50 Creative and Effective Advertising Examples “
Juvenile Protective Association
Anti-Bullying Campaign
25 Serious Ads

Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

No doubt, writing a rhetorical analysis essay is like taking apart a puzzle and putting it back together again. Teachers, help your students to understand how all of the pieces fit together in order to see the bigger picture of what the author is trying to accomplish.

First, take time to understand how a text “works” for a rhetorical analysis essay using ethos, pathos, and logos:

Read or listen to understand overall content. Look up unfamiliar words.
Mark the text for the author’s main points and sub-points.
descriptive
compare/contrast
cause/effect
argumentative
Take notes on SOAPS: subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker
Discuss the text(s) in Socratic Seminar .

Next, identify rhetorical appeals .

Ethos: How an author demonstrates credibility and builds trust.
Pathos: How an author creates an emotional response.
Logos: How an author demonstrates expertise and knowledge.

Look for rhetorical devices & patterns in the text.

Rhetorical devices refer to an author’s use of diction and syntax.
Does the author repeat key words / phrases? What’s the impact?
Does the author return to the same idea or image? Why?

Finally, write a clear thesis statement & topic sentences for your rhetorical analysis essay.

Use your thesis statement to generate topic sentences.
In your body paragraphs, identify a technique, provide an example, and discuss the “right there” and “beneath the surface” meanings. How does the author’s choice impact the audience, further a message, establish a tone?
What’s the context for the repetition?
What connotations are important?
How is the anaphora used to move the reader to greater understanding (logos), emotional investment (pathos), and/or trust in the author’s ideas (ethos)?

Six Strategies for Teaching Rhetorical Analysis

I’ve created an awesome free guide to inspire English teachers who teach rhetoric and the rhetorical analysis essay in their classrooms. Even if you don’t teach AP lang, you can benefit from these strategies !

Rhetorical Analysis Essay FAQ’s

How do you write a rhetorical analysis essay.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay is like writing a literary analysis essay, except the focus is on one or more non-fiction texts and the analysis targets an author’s style or rhetorical “moves” (a.k.a. use of rhetorical appeals and/or devices). Rhetorical analysis essays usually prove a claim about the author’s message or purpose for writing. The paragraphs in a rhetorical analysis essay unpack “what” an author is doing to send this message and “how” these choices impact the audience.

What does it mean to write a rhetorical analysis?

Writing a rhetorical analysis means that you are aware, as an audience member, reader, listener, human being, of the messages you consume. As a critical consumer of others’ ideas, you ask hard questions about how these messages are shaped, why they’re being delivered in certain ways, and why this is important for you and for society.

What are the three rhetorical strategies?

The three most commonly known rhetorical strategies are known as rhetorical appeals. Ethos (ethics) refers to credibility and trustworthiness. Pathos (passion) refers to engaging an audience’s emotions. Logos (logic) refers to engaging an audience’s brain through logical organization and use of evidence and arguments.

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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Reader Interactions

January 9, 2023 at 9:38 am

Hi Lindsay Ann, thanks so much for these great resources. Just wanted to gently point out a couple errors that you might want to fix:

#12: should be Seth Myers’ (not Seth Myer’s) #13: should be independence (not independance)

Teachers have to help each other out 🙂

Best, Nikkee

January 9, 2023 at 5:44 pm

Thank you so much for letting me know, Nikkee!

[…] a lot of options and extensions for analyzing rhetoric in social media. Who knows, maybe your next rhetorical analysis essay assignment will be focused on rhetoric in social […]

[…] 70 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Secondary ELA […]

[…] find that teaching rhetorical analysis and close reading skills go hand-in-hand with teaching voice in […]

[…] helps students to remember that everything comes back to the author’s purpose or message in rhetorical analysis. Author’s purpose is central to unpacking an author’s choices, including use of […]

[…] you assigning a rhetorical analysis essay? Why not try having students use rhetorical analysis sentence […]

[…] I introduced students to rhetoric. First, we journaled on this topic: Think of a time someone talked you into doing something or believing something. How did they do it? What tactics did they use? Students may share out journals. I gave students a graphic organizer with a PAPA analysis (purpose, audience, persona, argument) and picked a speech. Frankly, the speech I picked, which was Samwise Gamgee’s speech to Frodo Baggins in The Two Towers, failed spectacularly since students had no frame of reference. Note: that movie is old now. I know. It makes me sad, too. So go cautiously if you use this, but maybe pick something else. You can find a massive list here. […]

122 Various Rhetorical Analysis Topics To Help Your Progress

Many students don’t know where to start when choosing rhetorical analysis topics for academic papers. That’s because writing about these topics requires students to explore the subject in detail and prove their standpoint. Usually, educators expect learners to use effective and persuasive methods to achieve this goal. In simple terms, a rhetorical essay involves writing about writing.

This article presents a rhetorical analysis topics list for learners at different educational levels. It’s useful because it provides helpful ideas to help students with difficulties create interesting titles for their papers.

What Is Rhetorical Analysis?

Before diving into the list of rhetorical analysis topics, let’s define rhetoric.

A dictionary will say rhetoric is “the effective or persuasive art of writing or speaking, especially one that exploits figures of speech and other compositional techniques.”

However, rhetoric is more than just an art form. It’s also a tool that a writer can use to achieve a specific goal. In the context of academic writing, learners often use rhetoric to persuade the reader to see things from their point of view.

For example, consider the following statement:

“The death penalty is naturally an inhuman and cruel punishment that governments should abolish.”

This statement is an example of rhetoric because the writer uses persuasive language to make an argument. They want to convince the reader that the death penalty is wrong and governments should stop it.

What Are Good Rhetorical Analysis Topics?

Good rhetorical analysis titles allow the writer to analyze something and its effect on the audience or themselves. Although a rhetorical analysis essay can be about a speech or literature, it can also be about a movie or art. Some educators even ask learners to write rhetorical analyses about billboards or commercials. Nevertheless, an ideal topic allows the writer to acquire and analyze sufficient information.

Remember, the goal of a rhetorical analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of an argument or a piece of work. Therefore, pick a topic that allows you to do this. Once you’ve known what rhetorical analysis is and what makes good topics, let’s delve into some of the titles worth considering.

Best Topics For Rhetorical Analysis In 2023

Maybe you’re looking for the best ideas to consider for your academic essays or papers. In that case, here are some of the titles to consider for your write-up.

How social media affects body image
Common rhetorical strategies in advertising
What is the relationship between violence and video games?
How does music affect mood?
The role of the internet in education
Should governments lower the legal drinking age?
Should governments legalize marijuana?
Euthanasia: To be or not to be?
Cloning: The ethical implications and applications
Is homeschooling a viable educational alternative?
Is childhood obesity a reflection of bad parenting?
Are beauty pageants exploitative?
Should the government censor the internet?
Can the death penalty deter crime?
Should abortion be legal?
Are zoos ethical?
Should governments dictate the number of children a family can have?
Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their child?
Is it ethical to buy organs on the black market?
What are the ethical implications of human cloning?
The impact of social media on relationships
How do the media influence body image and eating disorders?
The effect of advertising on consumerism
Exploring music’s influence on emotions
Investigating the internet’s impact on education
The changing face of family structure and its effects
The pros and cons of homeschooling
Cyber-bullying- Its impact and how to prevent it
School uniforms: Are they necessary?
Religion in schools: Should the government allow it?
Censorship in schools: What are the criteria for choosing books, art, music, and film?
Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student ability?
Is tracking students by ability level beneficial?
Should schools eliminate homework?
Is the current educational system preparing students for the workforce?

Pick any of these ideas and investigate them to provide a detailed analysis. You can consult different sources to present an informative paper.

Rhetorical Analysis Ideas For College Students

Perhaps, you’re pursuing your college or university education, and the professor wants you to write a rhetorical analysis essay. In that case, here’s a list of topic ideas to consider for your paper.

How do authors use ethos, pathos, and logos in their work?
What is the purpose of the author’s argument?- Provide an example
Choose a piece of literary work and describe the target audience
Explain the methods the author uses to persuade their audience- Choose your scholarly work.
Explain the implications of the author’s argument in your preferred literary work
Use an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the author’s rhetoric
The rhetoric issue in Plato’s Republic
Why did “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King break the internet?
Rhetorical analysis of the film, Black Panther
Analyze the speech writing power in George Washington’s speeches
Rhetorical devices and their use in television advertising
Analyzing the rhetorical analysis devices in the Monalisa portrait
Literary devices and their function in plays and poetry
Rhetorical devices in Harry Porter
Analyzing the September 11 speech- Which rhetorical devices stand out?
How online content like blogs use rhetoric
Analyze your favorite book and show how it affected your life
Analyze rhetorical devices in your preferred political speech of the 21st century
How technology facilitates the manipulation of rhetoric devices
Analyzing rhetorical devices in Charles Spurgeon’s sermons
Rhetorical analysis of The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin
Critical analysis of a scene from your favorite movie- Highlight rhetoric devices
What marks acceptance speeches, and how do speakers use rhetorical devices
Rhetoric in preaching- How preachers impact the congregation
Discuss how authors use solitude in literature

These college-level rhetorical analysis ideas allow you to investigate different aspects of writing. Also, they provide a detailed perspective that helps you understand how to approach the assignments.

Good Rhetorical Analysis Topics For High School Learners

Maybe you’re in high school, and the teacher wants you to write a rhetorical analysis essay. If so, this list has ideal titles to consider for your paper.

Can a real friendship exist between a dog and a man?
Language is crucial to society- A detailed rhetorical analysis
The dog is the best housekeeper- A rhetorical analysis of this phrase
A comparison of how men and women consume ad messages
Rhetorical analysis of women’s attitudes towards fashion compared to men
Consumerism and environment- A rhetorical analysis
Analysis and summary of “The Kite Runner.”
The Animal Farm- A detailed rhetorical analysis of this book
Write a rhetorical analysis essay on your favorite birthday
A detailed rhetorical analysis of a speech by the school’s head teacher on graduation day
Rhetorical analysis of the inaugural address by your favorite teacher
Rhetorical analysis of a Nobel Peace Prize Winner’s speech
Rhetorical analysis and themes of William Shakespeare’s Pride and Prejudice
Online consumers- A detailed rhetorical analysis of their behavior
A rhetorical analysis of the electronic media’s impact on culture
Social media and its power- A rhetorical analysis of its power in turning the world into a global village
Olympics and World Cup- A detailed rhetorical analysis
National anthem in Olympic games- A rhetorical analysis
A rhetorical analysis of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Primary themes in Alice in the Wanderland- A rhetorical analysis

These are good topics to write a rhetorical analysis on if you’re in high school. However, you may want to read some books or study the works to write informative and winning papers.

Easy Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Maybe you don’t have adequate time to read or investigate somebody else’s work and write about it. In that case, the following ideas could be excellent for your titles.

The Hunger Games- What are this work’s most practical rhetorical strategies?
How ancient and modern stylistic devices differ
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf- Exploring the primary rhetorical devices
Rhetorical analysis of the class representative’s speech on the Memorial Day
The Picture of Dorian Gray- Investigating the critical stylistic devices
Develop a rhetorical composition of varying religious texts
Rhetorical analysis of Mona Lisa’s smile and its meaning
A detailed rhetorical analysis of pop-culture songs
Rhetorical analysis of Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso
Heroism as a theme- How does it come out in different literary works?
How authors handle race and prejudice in their works
Rhetorical strategies in Harry Potter’s work
Rhetorical analysis of a speech by Alexander the Great
Themes and their relevance in literary texts about love and hope
Rhetorical analysis of Louisa May Alcott in promoting feminism
Investigating the American National Anthem- What are the vital rhetorical devices?
Does the Fight Song by Rachel Platten mark creativity and art?
Why do Ted Talks attract so many listeners?
How advertisers curate poster and billboard language in advertising
The impact of vivid description and symbols on literary work’s visual impression

These rhetoric topics are relatively easy to write about, but some may require a little research. Nevertheless, most learners will find working on these subjects straightforward.

Rhetoric Research Paper Topics

Maybe you’re writing a research paper and need a rhetorical title. If so, consider these ideas for your project or thesis from professional dissertation writers .

How has the definition of rhetoric changed over time?
What are the different types of rhetoric?
How do persuasive and argumentative rhetorics differ?
What are the ethical implications of rhetoric?
How does rhetoric affect society?
How can authors use rhetoric for good or evil?
How art uses rhetoric
Creative ads and symbolism
Game of Thrones- How does the film use visual arts?
Rhetorical devices in digital media campaigns
How does the film/television show portray its characters?
What is the purpose of the film/television show?
Who is the target audience for this piece?
What methods does the film/television show use to persuade its audience?
What are the implications of the film/television show?
Is the film/television show’s rhetoric effective? Why or why not?
Works about GMO and human health- A rhetorical analysis
Automated system use and rhetorical devices
Sports segregation by gender- a rhetorical analysis
Data privacy and social media- A detailed rhetorical analysis
College athletes’ payment- A rhetorical analysis
Investigating gun legalization- Rhetorical analysis of this topic

These are some of the best rhetorical analysis example topics to consider for your essay or paper. Choose a title that interests you and investigate it to present a detailed perspective.

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Knowledge Base
How to write a rhetorical analysis | Key concepts & examples

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis | Key Concepts & Examples

Published on August 28, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A rhetorical analysis is a type of essay that looks at a text in terms of rhetoric. This means it is less concerned with what the author is saying than with how they say it: their goals, techniques, and appeals to the audience.

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Key concepts in rhetoric, analyzing the text, introducing your rhetorical analysis, the body: doing the analysis, concluding a rhetorical analysis, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about rhetorical analysis.

Rhetoric, the art of effective speaking and writing, is a subject that trains you to look at texts, arguments and speeches in terms of how they are designed to persuade the audience. This section introduces a few of the key concepts of this field.

Appeals: Logos, ethos, pathos

Appeals are how the author convinces their audience. Three central appeals are discussed in rhetoric, established by the philosopher Aristotle and sometimes called the rhetorical triangle: logos, ethos, and pathos.

Logos , or the logical appeal, refers to the use of reasoned argument to persuade. This is the dominant approach in academic writing , where arguments are built up using reasoning and evidence.

Ethos , or the ethical appeal, involves the author presenting themselves as an authority on their subject. For example, someone making a moral argument might highlight their own morally admirable behavior; someone speaking about a technical subject might present themselves as an expert by mentioning their qualifications.

Pathos , or the pathetic appeal, evokes the audience’s emotions. This might involve speaking in a passionate way, employing vivid imagery, or trying to provoke anger, sympathy, or any other emotional response in the audience.

These three appeals are all treated as integral parts of rhetoric, and a given author may combine all three of them to convince their audience.

Text and context

In rhetoric, a text is not necessarily a piece of writing (though it may be this). A text is whatever piece of communication you are analyzing. This could be, for example, a speech, an advertisement, or a satirical image.

In these cases, your analysis would focus on more than just language—you might look at visual or sonic elements of the text too.

The context is everything surrounding the text: Who is the author (or speaker, designer, etc.)? Who is their (intended or actual) audience? When and where was the text produced, and for what purpose?

Looking at the context can help to inform your rhetorical analysis. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech has universal power, but the context of the civil rights movement is an important part of understanding why.

Claims, supports, and warrants

A piece of rhetoric is always making some sort of argument, whether it’s a very clearly defined and logical one (e.g. in a philosophy essay) or one that the reader has to infer (e.g. in a satirical article). These arguments are built up with claims, supports, and warrants.

A claim is the fact or idea the author wants to convince the reader of. An argument might center on a single claim, or be built up out of many. Claims are usually explicitly stated, but they may also just be implied in some kinds of text.

The author uses supports to back up each claim they make. These might range from hard evidence to emotional appeals—anything that is used to convince the reader to accept a claim.

The warrant is the logic or assumption that connects a support with a claim. Outside of quite formal argumentation, the warrant is often unstated—the author assumes their audience will understand the connection without it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still explore the implicit warrant in these cases.

For example, look at the following statement:

We can see a claim and a support here, but the warrant is implicit. Here, the warrant is the assumption that more likeable candidates would have inspired greater turnout. We might be more or less convinced by the argument depending on whether we think this is a fair assumption.

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Rhetorical analysis isn’t a matter of choosing concepts in advance and applying them to a text. Instead, it starts with looking at the text in detail and asking the appropriate questions about how it works:

What is the author’s purpose?
Do they focus closely on their key claims, or do they discuss various topics?
What tone do they take—angry or sympathetic? Personal or authoritative? Formal or informal?
Who seems to be the intended audience? Is this audience likely to be successfully reached and convinced?
What kinds of evidence are presented?

By asking these questions, you’ll discover the various rhetorical devices the text uses. Don’t feel that you have to cram in every rhetorical term you know—focus on those that are most important to the text.

The following sections show how to write the different parts of a rhetorical analysis.

Like all essays, a rhetorical analysis begins with an introduction . The introduction tells readers what text you’ll be discussing, provides relevant background information, and presents your thesis statement .

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how an introduction works.

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of oratory in American history. Delivered in 1963 to thousands of civil rights activists outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech has come to symbolize the spirit of the civil rights movement and even to function as a major part of the American national myth. This rhetorical analysis argues that King’s assumption of the prophetic voice, amplified by the historic size of his audience, creates a powerful sense of ethos that has retained its inspirational power over the years.

The body of your rhetorical analysis is where you’ll tackle the text directly. It’s often divided into three paragraphs, although it may be more in a longer essay.

Each paragraph should focus on a different element of the text, and they should all contribute to your overall argument for your thesis statement.

Hover over the example to explore how a typical body paragraph is constructed.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

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The conclusion of a rhetorical analysis wraps up the essay by restating the main argument and showing how it has been developed by your analysis. It may also try to link the text, and your analysis of it, with broader concerns.

Explore the example below to get a sense of the conclusion.

It is clear from this analysis that the effectiveness of King’s rhetoric stems less from the pathetic appeal of his utopian “dream” than it does from the ethos he carefully constructs to give force to his statements. By framing contemporary upheavals as part of a prophecy whose fulfillment will result in the better future he imagines, King ensures not only the effectiveness of his words in the moment but their continuing resonance today. Even if we have not yet achieved King’s dream, we cannot deny the role his words played in setting us on the path toward it.

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The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to explain the effect a piece of writing or oratory has on its audience, how successful it is, and the devices and appeals it uses to achieve its goals.

Unlike a standard argumentative essay , it’s less about taking a position on the arguments presented, and more about exploring how they are constructed.

The term “text” in a rhetorical analysis essay refers to whatever object you’re analyzing. It’s frequently a piece of writing or a speech, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, you could also treat an advertisement or political cartoon as a text.

Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, building up logical arguments . Ethos appeals to the speaker’s status or authority, making the audience more likely to trust them. Pathos appeals to the emotions, trying to make the audience feel angry or sympathetic, for example.

Collectively, these three appeals are sometimes called the rhetorical triangle . They are central to rhetorical analysis , though a piece of rhetoric might not necessarily use all of them.

In rhetorical analysis , a claim is something the author wants the audience to believe. A support is the evidence or appeal they use to convince the reader to believe the claim. A warrant is the (often implicit) assumption that links the support with the claim.

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160 Rhetorical Essay Topics

With the many different styles of essay writing students can be assigned, a rhetorical essay can often be the most challenging. An assignment designed to analyze the context, intentions, and effectiveness of subject matter, a rhetorical essay requires students to apply critical thinking to break down the subject matter and contemplate how each part works together to create the desired effect.

A rhetorical essay is not a summary of the text or a personal opinion on the work being analyzed; instead, it requires students to use their critical thinking skills to dissect how the author has used words to create their desired effect.

While writing a rhetorical essay (sometimes called a rhetorical analysis essay) can be challenging, it isn’t impossible when students are aware of the best writing strategies for crafting this type of assignment.

We’ve broken down the essentials of rhetorical essay writing below and included 160 rhetorical essay topics to help students practice their new skills.

Essential Factors When Writing a Rhetorical Essay

Before getting into the breakdown of the rhetorical essay writing process, it’s essential to first understand the point of this type of writing. Unlike other forms of essay writing, a rhetorical essay does not seek to persuade or argue a point. Instead, its purpose is to analyze how the author of a piece of text has used words to create a certain effect or meaning.

There are three key factors that students need to keep in mind when writing a rhetorical analysis essay:

1. Rhetorical Situation

The first step in writing a rhetorical analysis essay is understanding the rhetorical situation. This involves understanding the text being analyzed, the author, the audience, and the purpose for writing.

2. Rhetorical Appeals

After understanding the rhetorical situation, students need to identify which of the topics three rhetorical appeals are being used. These appeals are ethos, pathos, and logos.

Pathos is the appeal to emotion and is often used to create a sense of empathy in the reader. Ethos is the appeal to ethics and is used to build trust between the subject and the audience. Logos is the appeal to logic and is used to persuade the audience through reasoning.

3. Rhetorical Strategies

The final step is to identify the subject’s different rhetorical strategies. These strategies include but are not limited to:

Appeal to authority
Exaggeration
Personification
Understatement

Only once students have identified these three rhetorical elements can they begin to analyze and write about the text.

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay: The Basics

Now that the key elements that students need to keep in mind when writing a rhetorical essay have been covered, let’s look at the basics of putting together this type of assignment step-by-step.

1. Pre-Writing

The first step in the writing process is always pre-writing. This is when students brainstorm and come up with ideas for their essay.

When prewriting for a rhetorical analysis essay, students should take the following steps:

Read the text multiple times to thoroughly understand the subject matter.
Make note of any words, phrases, or ideas that stand out.
Identify the audience, purpose, and context of the text.
Determine which rhetorical appeals and strategies are being used.

2. Thesis Statement

After pre-writing, the next step is to write a thesis statement. This will be the main argument or point that students are trying to make in their essay. When writing a thesis statement for a rhetorical analysis essay, students should state a clear position that they will be taking on the text. Some good examples of rhetorical essay thesis statements include:

“The author uses emotional appeal to gain the reader’s trust to sell them a product.”

“Although the author’s use of logos is effective, their overuse of pathos creates a sense of doubt in the reader’s mind.”

“The presenter offers a valid argument, but they fail to consider the deep-seated cultural ideologies that inform the opposing view.”

3. Introductory Paragraph

Once the thesis statement has been written, students can move on to writing their introductory paragraph. This paragraph should begin with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and end with a clear statement of the essay’s main argument. The rest of the paragraph should be used to provide background information on the text being analyzed.

4. Body Paragraphs

After the introductory paragraph, students will move on to writing their body paragraphs. These paragraphs should each begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph and end with a conclusion that wraps up that point. The majority of the paragraph should be dedicated to explaining and supporting the point being made.

5. Conclusion

The final step in the writing process is to write a conclusion. This paragraph should begin with a restatement of the essay’s main argument and end with a broader statement about the implications of that argument.

An excellent way to craft a thought-provoking conclusion is to pose a rhetorical question that leaves the reader with something to think about long after they have finished reading your essay.

By following these simple steps, students can easily write a well-crafted rhetorical analysis essay that will engage and inform the reader.

Using the writing guides above, students can craft a well-written rhetorical analysis essay on any of the following topics. Remember that the goal with these topics is to read, understand, and analyze the purposes, effects, and intentions of the given text, not to agree or disagree with the subject matter of the rhetorical analysis.

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Speeches

The “I Have A Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
The “Second Inaugural Address” by Abraham Lincoln
The “Eulogy for Rosa Parks” by Bill Clinton
The “Inaugural Address” by Barack Obama
The “Farewell Address” by George Washington
The “I Am Somebody” speech by Jesse Jackson
The “Tear Down This Wall” speech by Ronald Reagan
The “Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death” speech by Patrick Henry
The “We Shall Fight On The Beaches” speech by Winston Churchill
The acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize by Nelson Mandela

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Books

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
1984 by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Advertisements

Nike “Just Do It” advertisement
Pepsi “Live for Now” advertisement
Dove “Real Beauty” campaign
Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign
Burger King’s “Have it Your Way” advertising campaign
Absolut Vodka “In an Absolut World” advertisement
Got Milk? “Aaron Burr” ad campaign
Chevrolet “The Heartbeat of America” commercial
Apple “Think Different” commercial
FedEx “We Understand” ad campaign

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Songs

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
“We Shall Overcome” by Pete Seeger
“The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
“Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin
“Imagine” by John Lennon
“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
“The Ballad of Sacco and Vanzetti” by Joaquín Rodrigo
“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan
“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Films

The Godfather
Forrest Gump
The Silence of the Lambs
Citizen Kane
The Truman Show
The Social Network
Chinese Roulette

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Television Shows

The Simpsons
I Love Lucy
All in the Family
The Cosby Show
Saturday Night Live
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The Colbert Report
AMC’s Mad Men

Rhetorical Essay Topics About News Stories

The September 11th attacks
The moon landing
The assassination of JFK
The Watergate scandal
The Gulf War
Hurricane Katrina
The O.J. Simpson trial
The death of Princess Diana
The election of Barack Obama
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Historical Events

The American Revolution
The Civil War
World War I
World War II
The Cold War
The Holocaust
The civil rights movement
The women’s suffrage movement
The Industrial Revolution
The fall of the Berlin Wall

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Websites

Rhetorical essay topics about dictators.

Adolf Hitler
Saddam Hussein
Muammar Gaddafi
Kim Jong-il
Joseph Stalin
Vladimir Lenin
Benito Mussolini

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Heroism

The 9/11 firefighters
The soldiers of the United States Armed Forces
The police officers of the United States
First responders
Good Samaritans

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Racism

“Reverse racism”
Segregation
The Ku Klux Klan
White privilege
Racism in the United States
Racism in South Africa
Indigenous rights
Racial stereotypes
Immigration and xenophobia

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Religion

Christianity
Agnosticism

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Technology

The Internet
Social media
Smartphones
Cyber-bullying
Online dating
Video games
App development
Cybersecurity
Net neutrality

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Sports

Auto racing

Rhetorical Essay Topics About Celebrities

Taylor Swift
Kim Kardashian
Justin Bieber
Oprah Winfrey
Steven Spielberg
James Franco
J.K. Rowling

These 160 rhetorical essay topics should serve as a great starting point for your writing. Remember that after choosing the topic, you’ll want to craft an essay that examines the techniques used by the person, entity, or ideologies you’re analyzing and their effectiveness in achieving that goal.

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How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay–Examples & Template

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

A rhetorical analysis essay is, as the name suggests, an analysis of someone else’s writing (or speech, or advert, or even cartoon) and how they use not only words but also rhetorical techniques to influence their audience in a certain way. A rhetorical analysis is less interested in what the author is saying and more in how they present it, what effect this has on their readers, whether they achieve their goals, and what approach they use to get there.

Its structure is similar to that of most essays: An Introduction presents your thesis, a Body analyzes the text you have chosen, breaks it down into sections and explains how arguments have been constructed and how each part persuades, informs, or entertains the reader, and a Conclusion section sums up your evaluation.

Note that your personal opinion on the matter is not relevant for your analysis and that you don’t state anywhere in your essay whether you agree or disagree with the stance the author takes.

In the following, we will define the key rhetorical concepts you need to write a good rhetorical analysis and give you some practical tips on where to start.

Key Rhetorical Concepts

Your goal when writing a rhetorical analysis is to think about and then carefully describe how the author has designed their text so that it has the intended effect on their audience. To do that, you need to consider a number of key rhetorical strategies: Rhetorical appeals (“Ethos”, “Logos”, and “Pathos”), context, as well as claims, supports, and warrants.

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos were introduced by Aristotle, way back in the 4th century BC, as the main ways in which language can be used to persuade an audience. They still represent the basis of any rhetorical analysis and are often referred to as the “rhetorical triangle”.

These and other rhetorical techniques can all be combined to create the intended effect, and your job as the one analyzing a text is to break the writer’s arguments down and identify the concepts they are based on.

Rhetorical Appeals

Rhetorical appeal #1: ethos.

Ethos refers to the reputation or authority of the writer regarding the topic of their essay or speech and to how they use this to appeal to their audience. Just like we are more likely to buy a product from a brand or vendor we have confidence in than one we don’t know or have reason to distrust, Ethos-driven texts or speeches rely on the reputation of the author to persuade the reader or listener. When you analyze an essay, you should therefore look at how the writer establishes Ethos through rhetorical devices.

Does the author present themselves as an authority on their subject? If so, how?

Do they highlight how impeccable their own behavior is to make a moral argument?

Do they present themselves as an expert by listing their qualifications or experience to convince the reader of their opinion on something?

Rhetorical appeal #2: Pathos

The purpose of Pathos-driven rhetoric is to appeal to the reader’s emotions. A common example of pathos as a rhetorical means is adverts by charities that try to make you donate money to a “good cause”. To evoke the intended emotions in the reader, an author may use passionate language, tell personal stories, and employ vivid imagery so that the reader can imagine themselves in a certain situation and feel empathy with or anger towards others.

Rhetorical appeal #3: Logos

Logos, the “logical” appeal, uses reason to persuade. Reason and logic, supported by data, evidence, clearly defined methodology, and well-constructed arguments, are what most academic writing is based on. Emotions, those of the researcher/writer as well as those of the reader, should stay out of such academic texts, as should anyone’s reputation, beliefs, or personal opinions.

Text and Context

To analyze a piece of writing, a speech, an advertisement, or even a satirical drawing, you need to look beyond the piece of communication and take the context in which it was created and/or published into account.

Who is the person who wrote the text/drew the cartoon/designed the ad..? What audience are they trying to reach? Where was the piece published and what was happening there around that time?

A political speech, for example, can be powerful even when read decades later, but the historical context surrounding it is an important aspect of the effect it was intended to have.

Claims, Supports, and Warrants

To make any kind of argument, a writer needs to put forward specific claims, support them with data or evidence or even a moral or emotional appeal, and connect the dots logically so that the reader can follow along and agree with the points made.

The connections between statements, so-called “warrants”, follow logical reasoning but are not always clearly stated—the author simply assumes the reader understands the underlying logic, whether they present it “explicitly” or “implicitly”. Implicit warrants are commonly used in advertisements where seemingly happy people use certain products, wear certain clothes, accessories, or perfumes, or live certain lifestyles – with the connotation that, first, the product/perfume/lifestyle is what makes that person happy and, second, the reader wants to be as happy as the person in the ad. Some warrants are never clearly stated, and your job when writing a rhetorical analysis essay is therefore to identify them and bring them to light, to evaluate their validity, their effect on the reader, and the use of such means by the writer/creator.

bust of plato the philosopher, rhetorical analysis essay

What are the Five Rhetorical Situations?

A “rhetorical situation” refers to the circumstance behind a text or other piece of communication that arises from a given context. It explains why a rhetorical piece was created, what its purpose is, and how it was constructed to achieve its aims.

Rhetorical situations can be classified into the following five categories:

	Why was a text written or a cartoon drawn? Does it want to inform someone? Instruct a certain audience? Entertain a specific group of people?
	Who will read/see this (or read/saw it in the past) and be influenced by it/motivated to do something?
	What type of writing/advertisement/communication is this?
	What views does the piece represent? How do these views fit into the situation the writer was in at the time or the reader is in now?
	What forms, means, and techniques does the piece use to communicate with its audience?

Asking such questions when you analyze a text will help you identify all the aspects that play a role in the effect it has on its audience, and will allow you to evaluate whether it achieved its aims or where it may have failed to do so.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

Analyzing someone else’s work can seem like a big task, but as with every assignment or writing endeavor, you can break it down into smaller, well-defined steps that give you a practical structure to follow.

To give you an example of how the different parts of your text may look when it’s finished, we will provide you with some excerpts from this rhetorical analysis essay example (which even includes helpful comments) published on the Online Writing Lab website of Excelsior University in Albany, NY. The text that this essay analyzes is this article on why one should or shouldn’t buy an Ipad. If you want more examples so that you can build your own rhetorical analysis template, have a look at this essay on Nabokov’s Lolita and the one provided here about the “Shitty First Drafts” chapter of Anne Lamott’s writing instruction book “Bird by Bird”.

Analyzing the Text

When writing a rhetorical analysis, you don’t choose the concepts or key points you think are relevant or want to address. Rather, you carefully read the text several times asking yourself questions like those listed in the last section on rhetorical situations to identify how the text “works” and how it was written to achieve that effect.

Start with focusing on the author : What do you think was their purpose for writing the text? Do they make one principal claim and then elaborate on that? Or do they discuss different topics?

Then look at what audience they are talking to: Do they want to make a group of people take some action? Vote for someone? Donate money to a good cause? Who are these people? Is the text reaching this specific audience? Why or why not?

What tone is the author using to address their audience? Are they trying to evoke sympathy? Stir up anger? Are they writing from a personal perspective? Are they painting themselves as an authority on the topic? Are they using academic or informal language?

How does the author support their claims ? What kind of evidence are they presenting? Are they providing explicit or implicit warrants? Are these warrants valid or problematic? Is the provided evidence convincing?

Asking yourself such questions will help you identify what rhetorical devices a text uses and how well they are put together to achieve a certain aim. Remember, your own opinion and whether you agree with the author are not the point of a rhetorical analysis essay – your task is simply to take the text apart and evaluate it.

If you are still confused about how to write a rhetorical analysis essay, just follow the steps outlined below to write the different parts of your rhetorical analysis: As every other essay, it consists of an Introduction , a Body (the actual analysis), and a Conclusion .

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction

The Introduction section briefly presents the topic of the essay you are analyzing, the author, their main claims, a short summary of the work by you, and your thesis statement .

Tell the reader what the text you are going to analyze represents (e.g., historically) or why it is relevant (e.g., because it has become some kind of reference for how something is done). Describe what the author claims, asserts, or implies and what techniques they use to make their argument and persuade their audience. Finish off with your thesis statement that prepares the reader for what you are going to present in the next section – do you think that the author’s assumptions/claims/arguments were presented in a logical/appealing/powerful way and reached their audience as intended?

Have a look at an excerpt from the sample essay linked above to see what a rhetorical analysis introduction can look like. See how it introduces the author and article , the context in which it originally appeared , the main claims the author makes , and how this first paragraph ends in a clear thesis statement that the essay will then elaborate on in the following Body section:

Cory Doctorow ’s article on BoingBoing is an older review of the iPad , one of Apple’s most famous products. At the time of this article, however, the iPad was simply the latest Apple product to hit the market and was not yet so popular. Doctorow’s entire career has been entrenched in and around technology. He got his start as a CD-ROM programmer and is now a successful blogger and author. He is currently the co-editor of the BoingBoing blog on which this article was posted. One of his main points in this article comes from Doctorow’s passionate advocacy of free digital media sharing. He argues that the iPad is just another way for established technology companies to control our technological freedom and creativity . In “ Why I Won’t Buy an iPad (and Think You Shouldn’t, Either) ” published on Boing Boing in April of 2010, Cory Doctorow successfully uses his experience with technology, facts about the company Apple, and appeals to consumer needs to convince potential iPad buyers that Apple and its products, specifically the iPad, limit the digital rights of those who use them by controlling and mainstreaming the content that can be used and created on the device .

Doing the Rhetorical Analysis

The main part of your analysis is the Body , where you dissect the text in detail. Explain what methods the author uses to inform, entertain, and/or persuade the audience. Use Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle and the other key concepts we introduced above. Use quotations from the essay to demonstrate what you mean. Work out why the writer used a certain approach and evaluate (and again, demonstrate using the text itself) how successful they were. Evaluate the effect of each rhetorical technique you identify on the audience and judge whether the effect is in line with the author’s intentions.

To make it easy for the reader to follow your thought process, divide this part of your essay into paragraphs that each focus on one strategy or one concept , and make sure they are all necessary and contribute to the development of your argument(s).

One paragraph of this section of your essay could, for example, look like this:

One example of Doctorow’s position is his comparison of Apple’s iStore to Wal-Mart. This is an appeal to the consumer’s logic—or an appeal to logos. Doctorow wants the reader to take his comparison and consider how an all-powerful corporation like the iStore will affect them. An iPad will only allow for apps and programs purchased through the iStore to be run on it; therefore, a customer must not only purchase an iPad but also any programs he or she wishes to use. Customers cannot create their own programs or modify the hardware in any way.

As you can see, the author of this sample essay identifies and then explains to the reader how Doctorow uses the concept of Logos to appeal to his readers – not just by pointing out that he does it but by dissecting how it is done.

Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion

The conclusion section of your analysis should restate your main arguments and emphasize once more whether you think the author achieved their goal. Note that this is not the place to introduce new information—only rely on the points you have discussed in the body of your essay. End with a statement that sums up the impact the text has on its audience and maybe society as a whole:

Overall, Doctorow makes a good argument about why there are potentially many better things to drop a great deal of money on instead of the iPad. He gives some valuable information and facts that consumers should take into consideration before going out to purchase the new device. He clearly uses rhetorical tools to help make his case, and, overall, he is effective as a writer, even if, ultimately, he was ineffective in convincing the world not to buy an iPad .

Frequently Asked Questions about Rhetorical Analysis Essays

What is a rhetorical analysis essay.

A rhetorical analysis dissects a text or another piece of communication to work out and explain how it impacts its audience, how successfully it achieves its aims, and what rhetorical devices it uses to do that.

While argumentative essays usually take a stance on a certain topic and argue for it, a rhetorical analysis identifies how someone else constructs their arguments and supports their claims.

What is the correct rhetorical analysis essay format?

Like most other essays, a rhetorical analysis contains an Introduction that presents the thesis statement, a Body that analyzes the piece of communication, explains how arguments have been constructed, and illustrates how each part persuades, informs, or entertains the reader, and a Conclusion section that summarizes the results of the analysis.

What is the “rhetorical triangle”?

The rhetorical triangle was introduced by Aristotle as the main ways in which language can be used to persuade an audience: Logos appeals to the audience’s reason, Ethos to the writer’s status or authority, and Pathos to the reader’s emotions. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos can all be combined to create the intended effect, and your job as the one analyzing a text is to break the writer’s arguments down and identify what specific concepts each is based on.

Let Wordvice help you write a flawless rhetorical analysis essay!

Whether you have to write a rhetorical analysis essay as an assignment or whether it is part of an application, our professional proofreading services feature professional editors are trained subject experts that make sure your text is in line with the required format, as well as help you improve the flow and expression of your writing. Let them be your second pair of eyes so that after receiving paper editing services or essay editing services from Wordvice, you can submit your manuscript or apply to the school of your dreams with confidence.

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Writing Tips

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

3-minute read
22nd August 2023

A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of academic writing that analyzes how authors use language, persuasion techniques , and other rhetorical strategies to communicate with their audience. In this post, we’ll review how to write a rhetorical analysis essay, including:

Understanding the assignment guidelines
Introducing your essay topic
Examining the rhetorical strategies
Summarizing your main points

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to rhetorical analysis.

What Is a Rhetorical Strategy?

A rhetorical strategy is a deliberate approach or technique a writer uses to convey a message and/or persuade the audience. A rhetorical strategy typically involves using language, sentence structure, and tone/style to influence the audience to think a certain way or understand a specific point of view. Rhetorical strategies are especially common in advertisements, speeches, and political writing, but you can also find them in many other types of literature.

1. Understanding the Assignment Guidelines

Before you begin your rhetorical analysis essay, make sure you understand the assignment and guidelines. Typically, when writing a rhetorical analysis, you should approach the text objectively, focusing on the techniques the author uses rather than expressing your own opinions about the topic or summarizing the content. Thus, it’s essential to discuss the rhetorical methods used and then back up your analysis with evidence and quotations from the text.

2. Introducing Your Essay Topic

Introduce your essay by providing some context about the text you’re analyzing. Give a brief overview of the author, intended audience, and purpose of the writing. You should also clearly state your thesis , which is your main point or argument about how and why the author uses rhetorical strategies. Try to avoid going into detail on any points or diving into specific examples – the introduction should be concise, and you’ll be providing a much more in-depth analysis later in the text.

3. Examining the Rhetorical Strategies

In the body paragraphs, analyze the rhetorical strategies the author uses. Here are some common rhetorical strategies to include in your discussion:

● Ethos : Establishing trust between the writer and the audience by appealing to credibility and ethics

● Pathos : Appealing to the audience’s emotions and values

● Logos : Employing logic, reason, and evidence to appeal to the reader

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● Diction : Deliberately choosing specific language and vocabulary

● Syntax : Structuring and arranging sentences in certain ways

● Tone : Conveying attitude or mood in certain ways

● Literary Devices : Using metaphors, similes, analogies , repetition, etc.

Keep in mind that for a rhetorical analysis essay, you’re not usually required to find examples of all of the above rhetorical strategies. But for each one you do analyze, consider how it contributes to the author’s purpose, how it influences the audience, and what emotions or thoughts it could evoke in the reader.

4. Summarizing Your Main Points

In your conclusion , sum up the main points of your analysis and restate your thesis. Without introducing any new points (such as topics or ideas you haven’t already covered in the main body of your essay), summarize the overall impact that the author’s rhetorical strategies likely had on their intended audience.

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What Is a Rhetorical Analysis and How to Write a Great One

By Helly Douglas

Do you have to write a rhetorical analysis essay? Fear not! We’re here to explain exactly what rhetorical analysis means, how you should structure your essay, and give you some essential “dos and don’ts.”

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

How do you write a rhetorical analysis, what are the three rhetorical strategies, what are the five rhetorical situations, how to plan a rhetorical analysis essay, creating a rhetorical analysis essay, examples of great rhetorical analysis essays, final thoughts.

A rhetorical analysis essay studies how writers and speakers have used words to influence their audience. Think less about the words the author has used and more about the techniques they employ, their goals, and the effect this has on the audience.

In your analysis essay, you break a piece of text (including cartoons, adverts, and speeches) into sections and explain how each part works to persuade, inform, or entertain. You’ll explore the effectiveness of the techniques used, how the argument has been constructed, and give examples from the text.

A strong rhetorical analysis evaluates a text rather than just describes the techniques used. You don’t include whether you personally agree or disagree with the argument.

Structure a rhetorical analysis in the same way as most other types of academic essays . You’ll have an introduction to present your thesis, a main body where you analyze the text, which then leads to a conclusion.

Think about how the writer (also known as a rhetor) considers the situation that frames their communication:

Topic: the overall purpose of the rhetoric
Audience: this includes primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences
Purpose: there are often more than one to consider
Context and culture: the wider situation within which the rhetoric is placed

Back in the 4th century BC, Aristotle was talking about how language can be used as a means of persuasion. He described three principal forms —Ethos, Logos, and Pathos—often referred to as the Rhetorical Triangle . These persuasive techniques are still used today.

Rhetorical Strategy 1: Ethos

Are you more likely to buy a car from an established company that’s been an important part of your community for 50 years, or someone new who just started their business?

Reputation matters. Ethos explores how the character, disposition, and fundamental values of the author create appeal, along with their expertise and knowledge in the subject area.

Aristotle breaks ethos down into three further categories:

Phronesis: skills and practical wisdom
Arete: virtue
Eunoia: goodwill towards the audience

Ethos-driven speeches and text rely on the reputation of the author. In your analysis, you can look at how the writer establishes ethos through both direct and indirect means.

Rhetorical Strategy 2: Pathos

Pathos-driven rhetoric hooks into our emotions. You’ll often see it used in advertisements, particularly by charities wanting you to donate money towards an appeal.

Common use of pathos includes:

Vivid description so the reader can imagine themselves in the situation
Personal stories to create feelings of empathy
Emotional vocabulary that evokes a response

By using pathos to make the audience feel a particular emotion, the author can persuade them that the argument they’re making is compelling.

Rhetorical Strategy 3: Logos

Logos uses logic or reason. It’s commonly used in academic writing when arguments are created using evidence and reasoning rather than an emotional response. It’s constructed in a step-by-step approach that builds methodically to create a powerful effect upon the reader.

Rhetoric can use any one of these three techniques, but effective arguments often appeal to all three elements.

The rhetorical situation explains the circumstances behind and around a piece of rhetoric. It helps you think about why a text exists, its purpose, and how it’s carried out.

The rhetorical situations are:

1) Purpose: Why is this being written? (It could be trying to inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain.)
2) Audience: Which groups or individuals will read and take action (or have done so in the past)?
3) Genre: What type of writing is this?
4) Stance: What is the tone of the text? What position are they taking?
5) Media/Visuals: What means of communication are used?

Understanding and analyzing the rhetorical situation is essential for building a strong essay. Also think about any rhetoric restraints on the text, such as beliefs, attitudes, and traditions that could affect the author's decisions.

Before leaping into your essay, it’s worth taking time to explore the text at a deeper level and considering the rhetorical situations we looked at before. Throw away your assumptions and use these simple questions to help you unpick how and why the text is having an effect on the audience.

Image showing what to consider when planning a rhetorical essay

1: What is the Rhetorical Situation?

Why is there a need or opportunity for persuasion?
How do words and references help you identify the time and location?
What are the rhetoric restraints?
What historical occasions would lead to this text being created?

2: Who is the Author?

How do they position themselves as an expert worth listening to?
What is their ethos?
Do they have a reputation that gives them authority?
What is their intention?
What values or customs do they have?

3: Who is it Written For?

Who is the intended audience?
How is this appealing to this particular audience?
Who are the possible secondary and tertiary audiences?

4: What is the Central Idea?

Can you summarize the key point of this rhetoric?
What arguments are used?
How has it developed a line of reasoning?

5: How is it Structured?

What structure is used?
How is the content arranged within the structure?

6: What Form is Used?

Does this follow a specific literary genre?
What type of style and tone is used, and why is this?
Does the form used complement the content?
What effect could this form have on the audience?

7: Is the Rhetoric Effective?

Does the content fulfil the author’s intentions?
Does the message effectively fit the audience, location, and time period?

Once you’ve fully explored the text, you’ll have a better understanding of the impact it’s having on the audience and feel more confident about writing your essay outline.

A great essay starts with an interesting topic. Choose carefully so you’re personally invested in the subject and familiar with it rather than just following trending topics. There are lots of great ideas on this blog post by My Perfect Words if you need some inspiration. Take some time to do background research to ensure your topic offers good analysis opportunities.

Image showing considerations for a rhetorical analysis topic

Remember to check the information given to you by your professor so you follow their preferred style guidelines. This outline example gives you a general idea of a format to follow, but there will likely be specific requests about layout and content in your course handbook. It’s always worth asking your institution if you’re unsure.

Make notes for each section of your essay before you write. This makes it easy for you to write a well-structured text that flows naturally to a conclusion. You will develop each note into a paragraph. Look at this example by College Essay for useful ideas about the structure.

1: Introduction

This is a short, informative section that shows you understand the purpose of the text. It tempts the reader to find out more by mentioning what will come in the main body of your essay.

Name the author of the text and the title of their work followed by the date in parentheses
Use a verb to describe what the author does, e.g. “implies,” “asserts,” or “claims”
Briefly summarize the text in your own words
Mention the persuasive techniques used by the rhetor and its effect

Create a thesis statement to come at the end of your introduction.

After your introduction, move on to your critical analysis. This is the principal part of your essay.

Explain the methods used by the author to inform, entertain, and/or persuade the audience using Aristotle's rhetorical triangle
Use quotations to prove the statements you make
Explain why the writer used this approach and how successful it is
Consider how it makes the audience feel and react

Make each strategy a new paragraph rather than cramming them together, and always use proper citations. Check back to your course handbook if you’re unsure which citation style is preferred.

3: Conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize the points you’ve made in the main body of your essay. While you will draw the points together, this is not the place to introduce new information you’ve not previously mentioned.

Use your last sentence to share a powerful concluding statement that talks about the impact the text has on the audience(s) and wider society. How have its strategies helped to shape history?

Before You Submit

Poor spelling and grammatical errors ruin a great essay. Use ProWritingAid to check through your finished essay before you submit. It will pick up all the minor errors you’ve missed and help you give your essay a final polish. Look at this useful ProWritingAid webinar for further ideas to help you significantly improve your essays. Sign up for a free trial today and start editing your essays!

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You’ll find countless examples of rhetorical analysis online, but they range widely in quality. Your institution may have example essays they can share with you to show you exactly what they’re looking for.

The following links should give you a good starting point if you’re looking for ideas:

Pearson Canada has a range of good examples. Look at how embedded quotations are used to prove the points being made. The end questions help you unpick how successful each essay is.

Excelsior College has an excellent sample essay complete with useful comments highlighting the techniques used.

Brighton Online has a selection of interesting essays to look at. In this specific example, consider how wider reading has deepened the exploration of the text.

Image showing tips when reading a sample essay

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can seem daunting, but spending significant time deeply analyzing the text before you write will make it far more achievable and result in a better-quality essay overall.

It can take some time to write a good essay. Aim to complete it well before the deadline so you don’t feel rushed. Use ProWritingAid’s comprehensive checks to find any errors and make changes to improve readability. Then you’ll be ready to submit your finished essay, knowing it’s as good as you can possibly make it.

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Helly Douglas

Helly Douglas is a UK writer and teacher, specialising in education, children, and parenting. She loves making the complex seem simple through blogs, articles, and curriculum content. You can check out her work at hellydouglas.com or connect on Twitter @hellydouglas. When she’s not writing, you will find her in a classroom, being a mum or battling against the wilderness of her garden—the garden is winning!

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227 Rhetoric Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best rhetoric topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on rhetoric, 🔎 simple & easy rhetoric essay titles, 💡 interesting topics to write about rhetoric, ✍️ rhetoric essay topics for college, ❓ questions about rhetoric.

Steve Jobs Commencement Speech Analysis In his speech, Jobs demonstrates the virtuous use of the rhetoric appeals in the development and presentation of one of the most persuasive commencement speeches in order to draw the students’ attention to the significant […]
Rhetoric of “The ‘Other Side’ Is Not Dumb” by Blanda The author uses rhetorical approaches to increase the engagement of the reader with the text. In the “The ‘Other Side’ Is Not Dumb” article, the author effectively uses various rhetorical techniques to grab the reader’s […]
’A More Perfect Union’ Barack Obama Rhetorical Analysis In his speech, Obama is very conscious and aware of his audience. The message contained in his speech is that of peace and unity.
A Rhetorical Analysis: “Chevy Commercial 2014” The subtext of this advertisement is that a Company tries to force the relationship between Maddie and the products in attempting to stress that they can be trusted like Maddie.
Crest Toothpaste Advertisement’s Rhetorical Analysis The purpose of the advertisement is to increase the popularity of the brand’s anti-cavity toothpaste. Throughout the text, Crest Cool Mint Gel is referred to as the product recommended by the majority of professional dentists, […]
Rhetoric of The Declaration of Independence Other than appealing to ethics, Jefferson and the founding fathers required the audience to have an emotional attachment to the Declaration of Independence.
Rhetorical Analysis of Patricia Ryan’s Speech “Don’t Insist on English” The main idea Patricia Ryan’s wants to deliver to the audience in her speech is that the globalization of English language does not give an opportunity for English-speaking countries to notice the entire knowledge of […]
“Letter From Birmingham Jail” Rhetorical Analysis Essay He supports his argument in the next paragraph, where he puts it across that they have been governed by a combination of unjust and just law whereby there is a need to separate the two.
A Rhetorical Analysis of the Titanic Film The close-up shots used in the scene add to the emotional effect of the scene and create a sense of intimacy between the audience and characters, making the intended viewers experience the scene as if […]
Rhetorical Analysis of “On Being a Cripple” by Mairs Mairs delineates her areas of expertise throughout the essay and indicates that she has the required background in the topic at hand to develop ethos.
Rhetorical Analysis of an Image The audience of this cartoon is difficult to define, because it can include every person who is interested in the political, social, and economic life of the country.
“Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt: Rhetorical Devices The principal purpose of the deployment of metaphors and figurative language in the work of literature is to emphasize the emotional intensity of the characters’ experiences.
“Come September” by Arundhati Roy: Rhetorical Analysis The author admits that she is going to read her speech out loud and stresses the two reasons for reading: first, she is a writer and she feels more comfortable when she writes and not […]
The Book “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine: Rhetorical Analysis In Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the primary example of logos is the title of the literary work itself due to the fact that Paine tries to appeal to the audience.
Classical and Modern Rhetoric On the other hand, modern rhetoric is the contemporary form of rhetoric that exists to reexamine provisions of classical rhetoric providing a more cooperative form of communication between a speaker and his/her audience.
Rhetoric and Propaganda: How Far Is Rhetoric From Propaganda? In order to understand the essence of the two terms, it is important to consider the available definitions and meanings assigned to rhetoric and propaganda in the modern world.
Aristotle’s and Plato’s Views on Rhetoric One of the points that Plato expresses in this philosophical work is that rhetoric should be viewed primarily as the “artificer of persuasion”. This is one of the similarities that can be distinguished.
Rhetorical Analysis of Articles on Sweatshops Ravisankar specifically appeals to the ideals and emotions of the audience by exposing the businesses’ desire to maximize profits at any cost and outlining the horrifying workplace conditions at sweatshops.
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death: Rhetoric Appeals in Patrick Henry The use of rhetoric appeals to strengthen the message is a common instrument for many orators, and Patrick Henry is no exception to the rule.
Rhetorical Theory Applied to Michelle Obama’s Speech The next step was the discussion of the candidate’s history, her skills, and the nature of the election. In conclusion, this rhetorical analysis reveals the strengths and weaknesses of Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic […]
Sports Impact on Teenagers: Rhetorical Appeals Participating in any form of sports is of great significance as it helps to utilize, maintain, and improve an individual’s physical capabilities and develop advanced skills in that particular game.
The Rhetorical Devices of George Orwell This essay discusses the rhetoric devices George Orwell uses to convince the audience of the credibility of his arguments regarding the ambiguity of political language.
Rhetorical Analysis of Basketball In this aspect, it is worth considering basketball not only from an emotional and ethical point of view but also from a logical one, thus, the logos.
Stick and Stones and Sports Team Names: Rhetorical Analysis The author constantly relies on the emotional appeal to the readers throughout the development of the whole argument. In addition, using pathos is often characterized as a common fallacy, and in Estrada’s argument, appeal to […]
The Rhetoric of the Image by Barthes’ Approach Proper consideration of all these levels of the image analysis, provides the analyst with a comprehensive picture of what the image actually presents, what are the hidden, or implicit, meanings it is intended to render, […]
Rhetoric vs. Dialectic: Finding Differences It is more honest and flexible than a mere defending of some point of view that a person can even not share.
Rhetoric in “12 Angry Men” Film by Sidney Lumet In the same manner, he points to the fact that some of the information presented as incriminating the boy is insufficient for establishing the personality of a killer.
Importance of Self-Care: Rhetoric and Persuasion Taking care of oneself and taking care of health is a serious way to maintain well-being. And therefore, it is more important for one’s well-being not to read the news but to devote time to […]
Rhetoric: “The Morality of Birth Control” by Margaret Sanger In her speech, Sanger supports the argument that the American women should have the right to learn more about the birth control because of their responsibility for the personal health and happiness in contrast to […]
“The Myth of Multitasking” by Rosen: Rhetorical Analysis By the end of the article, Rosen persuades the reader that the benefits of multitasking are overrated and that human brains are wired to focus on one single task.
A Rhetoric Analysis of Economic Discourses in the Climate – Change Debate With a view to untangling some of the complexity of climate-change argumentation, the proposed paper presents a rhetoric analysis of the use of economic discourse in the climate-change controversy.
Rhetoric Analysis of Nike’s Advert The use of ethos and pathos in this advert mainly brings a new scope to the game and creates a new dimension for women.
The Rhetoric of Bob Fosse: Eroticism and Humor in a Musical This was originally a musical produced by Fosse in 1966 and he translated it into the big screen. However, the credit for creating a new style in musical belongs to Fosse.
Rhetorical Theory: Ideological Criticism These include cultural studies, which of course helps in identifying the changes that take place to the meaning and application of various ideographs. These transitions also lead to changing meaning and application of the ideographs.
Rhetoric in “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift Swift does conduct some math to establish the number of miscarriages, deaths, and the number of children born in a year.
Rhetoric: Chief Seattle’s Enviromental Statement The repetition is used in this speech to emphasize the major themes that Chief Seattle uses to draw the listener’s attention: the sacredness of the earth, the difference between the white man and the Indian, […]
Rhetoric in “Is Google Making Us Stupid” by Carr An overview of the essay revealed the application of a careful appeal to the reader’s emotions, the establishment of the writer’s credibility, logical presentation of relevant information, and the subtle entreaty using shared experiences.
Rhetoric: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover I get along well with people and everybody I have come in contact with knows me as a sociable person, but that time, in the fourth grade, I had not sharpened my skills to evaluate […]
The Origin of Rhetoric The purpose of this paper is to analyze persuasion in The Iliad, analyze whether the notions of logos, pathos and ethos are applicable to the dialogues from Book Nine and if they are, why Phoenix, […]
“A Proposal for an Invitational Rhetoric” by Foss and Griffin In their article, “A proposal for an invitational rhetoric”, Foss and Griffin have discussed on both traditional rhetorical theories and invitational rhetoric; their aim is to offer an understanding of the above approaches.
Rhetoric in “This Boat Is My Boat” Article by Taylor The author uses this anecdote to illustrate the visitors’ pollution and willingness to exert themselves in an activity that ultimately would result in their demise.”Means of transportation and survival” of the Natives should not be […]
Rhetoric: “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation” Lastly, the author of the article chose to include rhetorical questions as one of the strategies. Later in the article, the author makes a hasty generalization about the modern workforce adapting to millennials.
Targeted Rhetoric: The Advertisements of Coca-Cola To familiarize the audience with the examples of the application of the rhetorical strategies and visual argument in advertising, let us resort to one of the classical cases of successful advertising the advertisements of Coca-Cola.
Rhetorical Analysis of the Article Having further introduced the main thesis of the essay and having given some background information, the writer moves smoothly to the body of the piece.
The Film “Soul” by Pixar: Understanding Plato’s Rhetoric Plato believes that the function of the soul in the conception of noble rhetoric is the ability of the orator to understand other people and execute the art of rhetoric.
The Rhetorical Analysis of the Organic Fable by Cohen In the article “Organic Fable,” Cohen used ethos, logos, and pathos to reveal his opinion and contract of organic foods effectively.
Rhetoric of Article on Health Risks Posed by Energy Drinks This is a factual statement which the authors used to illustrate their premise on the consequences of drinking energy drinks to the health of the user.
King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech: Rhetorical Analysis The speech is full of outrage and contains allusions to the Bible and the US Declaration of Independence. The main theses of King’s political speeches were not only the equalization of the rights of Whites […]
Rhetoric of Anti-Vaccination Comments by Joe Rogan The argument by Joe Rogan relied on the logic that young people who exercise and eat a healthy diet are not likely to get the disease.
Barack Obama’s Speech as a Rhetorical Example The main message of the speech was clearly understood – the president outlined his further steps in the development of the country, he would make.
Rhetorical Triangle of Infinity Q50 Advertisement In advertising, the rhetorical triangle has particular importance because each of the mentioned components is necessary for invoking different types of appeal between the target audience and the presenter of a message.
Rhetorical Analysis: Effective Communication He also directs the audience’s attention to the government’s wrongdoings and the consequences of the ANC’s movement. Both speakers employ pathos to appeal to their audience’s emotions and be part of the desired change.
Rhetoric: “Cho Seung-Hui’s Killing Rampage” by Tao Lin Lin does not find a connection of their suffering to the deceased. Lin argues that it is “due to the automatic acceptance of a pre-existing sort of guideline or suggestion”.
Burke’s Pentad: Public Relations, Social Theory, and Rhetoric On the example of one of Jeff Wall’s photographs, it is illustrated how the motivation of an actor in this paradigm can be described in different ways in terms of the viewer’s focus.
Rhetorical Analysis: “$350,000 a Year, and Just Getting By” Lowry’s claim that the explanation is the insulation of richness and resulting lack of awareness is fairly convincing and supplemented with effective use of ethos and logos as well as occasional pathos.
Rhetorical Techniques in “Letter From Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King His flawless use of metaphors and parallelism allows the reader or the audience to empathize with King and support him in his fight against racial injustice.
Rhetorical Analysis on Healthy Food and Labeling Problem This approach of the author is a manifestation of logos since the explanations rationalize the existence of the problem. This article has three parts, in which the author explains the cult of “healthy” unprocessed food, […]
Rhetorical Persuasion – Appeals to Logos, Pathos and Ethos In his book “A New History of Classical Rhetoric”, George Kennedy provides us with the insight on the art of persuasion as not only some abstract concept, but also as a very practical instrument of […]
Syllogism and Enthymeme in Aristotle’s Rhetoric One of the implications of syllogism to audiences is in regards to the possibility of creating offensive conclusions from an argument’s statements.
How TV Affects Your Child: Article Rhetoric Ethos has been employed in the article in order to convince the audience that the writer is credible. At the beginning of the essay, the author cites the Kaiser Family foundation and then also mentions […]
Rhetorical Analysis of Gender-Based Violence Against Women In the abstract, the author disapproves of the notion that GBV is steered by poverty and poor government programs to combat this violence.
The Power and Effect of Rhetoric in King’s Speech “I Have a Dream” King’s 1963 speech at Lincoln Memorial portrays the significance and power of rhetoric in persuading the audience.”I Have a Dream” symbolizes the perfect utilization of rhetorical strategies and devices to influence the masses.
Masaccio’s Holy Trinity: Analysis of Visual Rhetoric It is necessary to outline that his work presents a great interest due to the number of reasons: it was one of the first frescos to contain features of realism and humanism, the work poses […]
Rhetorical Devices in the Famous Speeches There is no doubt that the persuasiveness and vigor of the speech are created due to the message that is conveyed by it: support of German people who wanted to be free, and due to […]
Barbie Product Advertisement: Rhetorical Analysis In addition, the ad promotes new Barbie Style which is also a new product and “all owners of the Barbie dolls should have it.
Rhetorical Analysis This is well demonstrated in the web page of the Double Cola Company, a web page that is committed to targeting and attracting the young audience of the high-end economic status.
Rhetorical Criticism of the Titanic Jack and Rose develop a friendship They walk round the ship and explore all the hidden areas The people of the high class treat and see the employees and people from the lower societies There […]
Rhetoric: Oral Presentations Comparison In the case of Kleinhans, these techniques involve the application of stress and intonation to convey information to the listener better.
Public Speaking and Rhetorical Implications The speaker makes connections between the audience and the topic of his speech a few times. The speaker recognizes some relationships between himself and the audience at some points in his lecture.
Progress in Cancer Control: Rhetorical Analysis According to their study, these behaviors are more likely to lead to cancer, and the authors’ goal is to convince the audience that they should take responsibility for their health and strive to minimize the […]
Harris’s “Can We Build AI…?” Talk: Rhetorical Analysis These statements are examples of the use of logos since they are logically intuitive to the point that any member of the general audience can understand.
Rhetorical Analysis of Socialism vs. Capitalism by Thompson In order to convey this message, the author uses several rhetorical devices, the discussion of which is part of this analysis.
Rhetoric of Wineburg and Ziv’s Article on Education The authors urge for a drastic change in the national approach to credibility education, which is evident from the appeal to public endangerment at the very end of the editorial.
Rhetorical Modes Anthology: Rugby It is a game that turns boys into men and teaches the art of protecting one another in the field. The rugby game teaches discipline as it involves a high level of preparation, and involvement […]
Rhetorical Analysis of The Advertised Infant by Corbeil In the text, the author tries to present the consequences of delegating parental roles to baby products. The thesis sets the foundation and can be used to determine the focus of the essay.
Gasper’s “Marxism, Morality…” Rhetorical Analysis Despite the positive impact that the use of hypophora as a rhetorical device has on Gasper’s argument in “Marxism, morality, and human nature,” the logical fallacy of the appeal to authority reduces the extent of […]
Rhetorical Modes to Use When Discussing Soccer The advancement of urbanization and industrialization led to a reduced leisure period coupled with constant violence that undermined and slowed the game’s development. The team that outscores the rival is the winner, while scoring the […]
Rhetoric in Culture: Latino Traditions in America Rhetoric communication is a special feature of linguistics that enables the speaker to persuade the audience and influence them to act in a given way.
Rhetorical Modes Anthology on Attention Deficit Disorder It clearly outlines the origin and early symptoms of the disorder and the scientist who discovered attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Summary & Validity: This article describes the causes of hyperactivity disorder and the potential factors […]
“Is Google Making Us Stupid?” Article by Carr: Rhetorical Analysis The analysis will be centered on the rhetorical means which help the author convey the main idea and attract the readers’ attention to the particular argument.
Rhetorical Analysis of Jean-François Lyotard’s The Postmodern Condition The author does not call on the audience to reconsider the concepts and the state of knowledge, which he defines as ‘postmodern,’ but reflects on changing the paradigm of knowledge in society.
Rhetoric in Obama’s 2008 Speech on Racism When the audience became excited, it was Obama’s responsibility to convey his message in a more accessible form. To conclude, Obama’s speech in 2008 facilitated his election as the first African American President in history.
“The Rhetoric & Poetics of Aristotle” Book This is necessary to feed more meaning to the language used and contributes to the ability of rhetoric in interpersonal communication. Human interaction is a continuous communication and going back and forth in the rhetoric […]
The Philosophy and Rhetoric Journal Analysis The evolving nature of the auditor inside the profession’s legitimization narratives shows the changes in the function of auditing, the economic climate, and American society’s values.
Dogs in the Military: Articles’ Rhetorical Analysis Despite the different pathetic natures of the two compared articles about dogs in the industry, their comparison proves that the utilitarian and ethical utility of a scientific article is detectable regardless of the level of […]
Rhetorical Modes of the “Billions” TV Show On the one hand, the attorney is desperate to reveal the secrets and wrongdoings of Axe Capital, which would help the legal system battle all evil.
Rhetorical Analysis of a “Fitness ABC’s Certification Manual” For instance, the prevalence of the white color and the scarce number of images and illustrations contribute to the sense of the ordinary.
Binge-Watching as an Issue for a Rhetorical Situation The topic is important due to the common phenomenon of binge-watching correlating with the abundance of streaming platforms. A possible repercussion linked to binge-watching is the time-consuming effect of the behavior.
Think Before Judge: Rhetorical Analysis of Image The audience to which this image is directed is as diverse as the object itself, that is, both a child and an adult can understand the meaning of the hidden one.
Employing Rhetoric Strategies in Writing Most of the time, if you are going to employ this rhetorical device, you will want to compare and contrast both similarities and differences.
The Application of Rhetoric Devices The primary purpose of rhetoric is to provoke the audience to think while allowing the author to stance in an argument.
Rhetorical Strategies of Conquest The Four Voyages of Columbus by Columbus, The Chronicle of The Discovery and Conquest of Guinea by Azurara, and Letters from Mexico by Cortes report the colonial exploits back to the Portuguese and Spanish royalty.
Rhetorical Elements of PayPal Online Commercial Aside from the actors, the imagery used in the commercial shows how easy it is to use PayPal as a payment option through the on-screen emulation of the app’s user interface. It is a clear […]
Rhetoric: Kurzweil’s “How to Create a Mind” and Gardner’s “Creating Minds” Huge shifts in the intellectual climate caused by the dialogue of two cultures – natural and technical, on the one hand, and humanitarian and social, on the other, attracted the attention of researchers and gave […]
Rhetorical Analysis of Paypal’s Online Payments Commercial The commercial assures its clients of privacy which is a tactical use of the rhetorical appeal that contributes to the commercial’s persuasive nature.
Ocean Dumping Issue and Rhetorical Rationale Therefore, the goal of this paper is to prove that the poster in question manages to accomplish an impressive goal of subverting the audience’s expectation and encouraging them to shift from an ironic perception of […]
Rhetoric and Philosophy of Socrates and Gorgias Socrates argues that oratory practices that became popular among sophists in Athens pursue convincing and persuading rather than speaking the truth.”And the same will be true of the orator and the oratory in relation to […]
Michele Obama’s Speech: A Rhetorical Analysis The main message of the First Lady was to draw attention to the suppression of the advertising of unhealthy food to minors.
Rhetorical Analysis: Logos and Pathos in Trump’s Truth In the third chapter, “The Truth Is the Greatest Enemy of the State,” attention is paid to Trump’s speeches and promises.
The Nuclear Power Passages: Rhetorical Analysis At that, the writer also provides some data utilized by the former vice president and some information to show the negative side of power plants.
Analysis of Visual Rhetoric in Business Due to the use of its unique colors and the incorporation of simple visuals representative of the main idea, namely, price tags with time markers on them, IKEA has managed to introduce the idea of […]
Rhetoric Methods and Their Analysis The essay frequently tells the story of a momentous event in the first person, and it may be written in a variety of genres, including formal essays and creative non-fiction.
Dark Window on Human Trafficking: Rhetorical Analysis In this essay, Ceaser utilized his rhetorical skills to dive into the dark world of human trafficking, which severely hits Latin America and the USA, through the usage of images and forms of different societal […]
Rhetorical Devices in America’s Opioid Crisis Documentary In addition, the interview with the mother of an athlete, who was prescribed painkillers and found dead because of overdose, persuades the target audience to think about the opioid crisis.
Rhetoric and Reality of Human Rights Protection For example, the prohibition of homosexuality in many countries of Africa and the Middle East, the restriction of China and Russia’s citizen’s freedoms, and the dictatorship of Africa and Latin America.
Rhetorical Argument in the Community Gardens The community garden ensured a large and growing community partnership that is incredibly committed to student development, nutrition, and food sustainability.
Rhetorical Analysis of the Distance Education The essay can be addressed both to the children and parents for whom the issues of health and psychology are important.
Analysis of Rhetorical Techniques of “The Book of Questions” by Pablo Neruda On the one hand, poetry can and should be enjoyable; on the other hand, however, it needs to compel the reader to critically examine the world order and the nature of things.
Rhetorical Analysis of “Leave Fat Kids Alone” Article by Gordon In the second part of the article, Gordon provides statistical information about overweight and the emergence of the war on childhood obesity.
Rhetorical Analysis: The Criteria of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos In general, the latter presents the description of the company and the specifics of the scientific field, which is the focus of the explorations.
Rhetorical Strategies: A Natural History of Four Meals To begin with, one should explain that Pollan relies on ethos to claim that the industrial food chain implies essential disadvantages for consumers and the whole planet.
Rhetorical Analysis: Elements and Concepts Myles Allen himself is “Professor of Geosystem Science in the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford and Head of the Climate Dynamics Group in the University’s Department of Physics”.
Rhetorical Analysis of Academic Communities Comparing the individual articles published in the journals as examples of the discourse in the field of finance, it is possible to note that such a reputable source as The Journal of Finance is characterized […]
Communication and Rhetoric: Concepts of Fish and Thaler Rhetoric can be marked by a significant development since the beginning of the 20th century as literary theorists began to reconsider and elaborate on the ideas of ancient and medieval scholars.
Messaris’s Theory: Images Application in Rhetoric To prove this point, this paper will explore Messaris’s theory of visual rhetoric and claim that images can be persuasive because of their immediacy and the absence of syllogistic construction.
Rhetorical Theory: Robert Ivie’s Argument Therefore, there is a need to find a rhetorical sense of balance between the leadership-enabled opinion and policy juxtaposed by the underlying culture of beliefs, values, and accepted behaviors.”Negotiating the precarious line between division and […]
Communication and Rhetoric by Burke The social aspect is central to rhetoric, according to Burke, who stressed that the system of symbols used for communication was to be common for the speaker and the listeners.
Communication & Rhetoric: Stanley Fish Speech Analysis One of the most striking and valuable insights related to Stanley Fish’s position is related to the way rhetoric ‘transgresses’ the limits of the real world.
Rhetorical Critique Article Analysis: Banning Cell Phones and Laptops in the Class Lucy Morsen, the author of the practical proposal concerning the banning of cell phones and laptops in the class, successfully used rhetorical strategies and approaches supported by arguments and results of the recent researches proving […]
Rhetoric Definition by Socrates and Gorgios Doubting the existence of the reliable criteria of seeking the truth, the sophistic paid more attention to a more accessible object of cognition – to the human, to the humans mind, and to the humans […]
Rhetoric. The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle by Upton The objective of this essay is to analyze the rhetorical strategies in the article, “The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle” by Emily Upton.
Analysis of Upton’s “The Truth About the Bermuda Triangle” From a Rhetorical Perspective The objective of this essay is to analyse the use of some rhetorical appeals and devices in the article, “The Truth about the Bermuda Triangle”.
Clyde Prestowitz. “Apple Has an Obligation to Help Solve America’s Problems”. Analysis of Rhetorical Strategies Reflecting on the article’s presentation, it should be stated that the author has developed a solid piece of information on the issue of jobs creation in the United States using the art of rhetoric effectively […]
The Importance of the Rhetorical Triangle The speaker must be able to maintain the interest and enthusiasm of the audience. The audience must be alert, have an interest in the presentation, and feel as they are an important part of the […]
Analyzing Visual Rhetoric Masaccio’s 1427 Trinity There are two prospective points of the triangles in the picture: one is at the top of the ceiling and the other is behind the dirt mound at the foot of crucified Jesus.
The Role of Islamic Rhetoric in the Afghanistan-Soviet War of 1979 – 1989 It is the resilience of the people and harshness of the terrain that made it difficult to conquer the country that borders Pakistan to the South, Iran to the West, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan to the east.
Visual Rhetoric: The Iraq War and Torture of Abu Ghraib Prisoners Those photos were then given out as evidence of torture that was being done by the American soldiers on the detainees of Abu Ghraib.
Bhopal Disaster Report’s Rhetorical Analysis The website is devoted for the analysis of the aftermath of the tragedy and its effects on the residents. The main attempt of the communication is to show the initial affects on the children of […]
Rhetoric Analysis: ”Targeted Killing and Drone Warfare” by Anderson In this article, Anderson justifies the use of unmanned drone airstrikes as part of the concerted efforts of NATO allies to seek out and destroy suspected Al-Quadi hideouts in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Rhetoric and Stereotypes of Social Groups The stereotypes connected with tattooed people can be seen more related to particular groups such as criminals, delinquent people and bikers.
Rhetoric in “Women in the Nineteenth Century” by Margaret Fuller In her essay, she described women as holly and righteous as can be seen from the examples she gave about the knight who had the name of the Virgin on his lips.
Presentation Delivery Modes and Rhetorical Triangle What is characteristic of a lecture is that the information is transmitted one way only, from the speaker to the audience.
Toyota Corporation’s Ad: Rhetorical Triangle The rhetorical triangle is used to analyze the attributes of a presentation in bringing out the intended message to the audience and consists of the ethos, logos and pathos.
Personal Rhetoric in Books It is not but before the first few lines of each piece in which the author establishes a personal foundation for the rest of the article to be built on.
Aristotle’s Influence on History of Rhetoric: Treatise Rhetoric and the Concept of the Rhetorical Triangle Aristotle has written works in a number of subjects, such as ethics, poetry, politics, music, biology, physics, etc, but among these, his contributions into rhetoric are the most valuable; within this field, Aristotle is known […]
Rhetorical Problem of George H.W. Bush Speech Descriptive Analysis However, a closer look at the speech putting into consideration the consequences of the gulf war on the United States and the global community may give us a different and clear picture of the events […]
Rhetoric in “The Land Before Time” by M. T. Kelly Since the author is keenly aware of the magnitude of the landscape and the topic he describes, Kelly makes the structure of the essay one of the means of disclosure of the theme of the […]
Modern Language: Personal-Critical-Rhetorical Perception The primary concern of Rochelle Harris’ article “Encouraging Emergent Moments: The Personal, Critical and Rhetorical in the Writing Classroom” is to explore a new approach to teaching composition classes to students so that they become […]
Persuasive Techniques and Rhetorical Proofs in Articles However, only a profound analysis of the article can throw light on whether the article has credibility or ethical appeal, which is the kind of appeal that the article arouses in the emotions of the […]
Logic Dialectic and Rhetoric: Compare and Contrast In addition, the prominent thinker estimated rhetoric in the context of logic, because logic, as well as rhetoric and dialectic, point out the studying of persuasion methods.
Advertisement Rhetoric Analysis Occasionally, the effect a particular advertisement might have on the public is the primary focus of the ad with the product a perceived secondary reference.
Rhetoric of Social Movements. The Black Panthers It analyzes the forms of public address and popular resistance associated with the social movement, specifies the formal nature of the organization, and gives an analysis of the effectiveness of the official means of public […]
Rhetoric. “Oedipus” Play by Sophocles In the play, Oedipus sought his own origins because he understands the importance of knowing his own family. The theme of destiny is also important in the play Oedipus.
Forgive Wolfowitz: Article Rhetoric The subject of the article is to convey us that the mistakes made by Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank resulting crisis and hunger should be forgiven as the person is concern had only noble […]
Phillis Wheatley: Rhetoric Theory in Retrospective The term African American engages the issues closely associated with the writings of the Americans and their place in the literary context: What role they have in the literature and what importance they exert in […]
Analyzing Visual Rhetoric: Images Analysis The gun point is actually in the upper half of the picture and the aim is at the viewer’s eye level.
Rhetorical Strategies in “The Blind Assassin” by Margaret Atwood The novel relates the events that happened in the 1930’s and refers to the personal angst of the narrator. Iris had a sister called Laura who killed herself after the Second World War and it […]
Rhetoric & Professional Communication: Advertising So, the aim of this essay is to examine the essence of the rhetorical theory, its methods, and the results it gives to its user. White space is the advertising tool discussed in the article; […]
Mark Edmonson’s Rhetoric in “The Heart of Humanities” Mark Edmonson’s The Heart of Humanities: Reading, Writing, Teaching is a collection of works that explore the importance of the three components for those interested in pursuing humanities as a future study field.
Smoking Bans: Protecting the Public and the Children of Smokers The purpose of the article is to show why smoking bans aim at protecting the public and the children of smokers.
Women Suffrage in Carrie Chapman’s Rhetoric The paper is a bright example of the in-depth analysis of the problem and a perfect insight into the future of womens participation in the political life of the country.
Health Information Privacy Standards: Rhetoric Analysis It is easy to understand the purpose of the document, because the USDHHS provided enough information to explain the importance of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
Rhetoric in Baldwin’s and Naylor’s Linguistics Articles In its turn, this was meant to convince readers that the Naylor’s view of language could be indeed considered perfectly sound.
Rhetoric in Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” It can be argued that the purpose of Walker’s appeals to her audience is to instill a sense of pride and confidence in them.
Rhetoric: Social Issues’ Influences on US Children Such an approach does not allow the readers to be 100% sure that this information is true to life and makes the statement rather weak.
Salem Cigarettes Ads and Rhetorical Appeals The advert is trying to persuade both the male and female of the tender age that it is fashionable to smoke cigarettes.’If one can smoke Salem and look handsome and cool why not me?’ that […]
Utilitarianism in Ron Paul’s Rhetoric In fact, former Congressman Ron Paul believes that in order to create the most good, the best strategy is to reduce the involvement of big government in the affairs of men.
Barack Obama’s Inaugural Speech and Rhetoric Obama seems to be talking from a point of experience and his understanding of the challenges he articulates is a proof to his assertion.
Rhetorical Situations: Ethos, Pathos, Logos A rhetorical situation is a context that constitutes a given issue, the audience, and the constraints that might make it hard for the speaker to persuade the audience to share his or her viewpoint.
Isocrates and Aristotle Views on Rhetorical Devices
Steve Jobs’ Stanford Speech Rhetorical Strategies
Rhetorical Analysis of Obama’s Speech
Rhetoric Analysis of The Mind’s Eye by Oliver Sacks
Political Rhetoric: Barack Obama’s March 18 Speech
Rhetorical Analysis of the Article”Digital Natives and Immigrants” by Nancy Herther
Cultural and Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Debates
Rhetorical Analysis of Ethos in “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”
Social Constructionism and Its Impact on Cultural Identity in a Society Ruled by a Strong Rhetoric of Risk and Health and Safety Regulations
Rhetoric as an Art
Orientalist Constructions of Muslim Bodies and the Rhetoric of the «War on Terror»
Comparing and contrasting Rhetoric: Tabbi and Thomas Friedman
Rhetoric Situation in Articles
Rhetorical Analysis: Roosevelt’s Inaugural Address
Rhetorical Stance Of Articles
Rhetoric Devices in Art and Design
Critique and Rhetorical Analysis
The Art of Conversation: Rhetorical Devices
The Rhetorical Analysis: Nuclear Wastes Challenges
Rhetorical Analysis: Chinese Zodiac Movie Poster
Rhetorical Analysis: “The Pack Rat among Us”
Rhetoric in American Politics
Rhetorical Analysis of Wal-Mart: The Cost of Low Prices
Analyzing The Rhetorical Aspect In Dexter
Watts, James Washington. Ritual and Rhetoric in Leviticus: From Sacrifice to Scripture
Rhetorical situations in the Experiences and Goals Letter
The Negative Effects of Wealth in Society: Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetorical Situation of a Resume
Aspects of Rhetoric and Stereotype Image
Rhetorical Analysis of the Communist Manifesto
What Are the Main Rhetorical Strategies?
How Is Visual Rhetoric Related to the Case of Intellectual Capital?
What Are the Types of Rhetoric?
What Is Rhetoric and Why Is It Important?
How Does Rhetoric Affect Our Life?
What Are the Features of Questions and Rhetoric in the Greek New Testament?
Why Do People Use Rhetoric?
What Makes the Millennial Bashing Rhetoric?
How Does Machiavelli Use Persuasive Rhetoric?
Is Rhetoric Just Persuasion?
How Is Rhetoric Used Instead of Physical Play?
What Are the Characteristics of Rhetoric?
How Did the Context of Rome Influence the Role of Rhetoric During Roman?
How Do One Use Rhetoric in Your Everyday Life?
Where Is Rhetoric Most Commonly Used?
What Is Modern-Day Rhetoric?
Where Is Rhetoric Used Today?
What Are the Elements of Rhetoric?
How to Use Rhetorical Situations to Examine and Improve Communication?
Which Rhetoric Is Most Effective?
What Are the Modes of Rhetoric?
What Is the Main Purpose of Rhetoric?
What Are the Rhetorical Devices?
What Is the Strongest Rhetorical Appeal?
What Is the Main Purpose of Rhetorical Question?
New York Times Topics
Emotional Development Questions
Patriotism Research Ideas
Cognitive Development Essay Ideas
Declaration of Independence Paper Topics
Political Cartoon Paper Topics
Literacy Development Titles
Nietzsche Essay Titles
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Guide

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Students

A good topic is the key to a perfect essay. Here is a list of topics for essays that assist you in making the right choice.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for College Students

"The Odyssey" And "Beowulf"
"The Prince" Summary
The symbolism of Bullfighting In “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.
Rhetorical Analysis of "Romeo And Juliet"
Rhetorical Analysis of "The Great Gatsby"
Rhetorical Analysis of "Hamlet"
Main Themes And Analysis of Plato's "Republic"
"The Picture Of Dorian Gray" Summary
Rhetorical Analysis of "Pride And Prejudice"
Rhetorical Analysis of “The Fault in Our Stars”

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for High School Students

An attitude of consumers towards Fast Fashion
Rhetorical Analysis of the Cultural Industry
Consumers Habits: Women Vs. Men“
1950’s Fashion” Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetorical Analysis of the Commercials and the Media“
1970’s Fashion” Analysis
Martin Luther King jr last speech
Rhetorical Analysis of E-commerce
“Electronic Media and Culture” Rhetorical Analysis
Environment and Consumerism Analysis

Sports Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Rhetorical Analysis of “Olympics”
“NFL And the Concussion Rules”
BCS or Playoffs
Kobe or LeBron
Players or Owners
Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Sports Encomia
Rhetorical Analysis of Symbolic Power of Sports
Rhetorical Analysis of the use of steroids
Rhetorical Analysis on “Football World Cup”

Fiction Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

O'Henry’s "Witches Loaves"
Rhetorical Analysis of "Huckleberry Finn"
Rhetorical Analysis of "Fight Club"
Michael Punke’s "The Revenant""The White Heron" Analysis
Rhetorical Analysis of “Death of A Salesman"
"The Lottery" Main ThemesLiterary Analysis of "Life In The Iron Mills"
"Alice In The Wonderland" Primary Themes"
The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand Analysis

Easy Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

A blog that you are passionate about
England in 1819” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Do we allow our fears to restrain us from action?
Is there anything weird in the rhetoric of Amy Poehler?
Faces of love in A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns.
Analyze Edgar Allan Poe’s poem ‘Raven.
’The similarities and differences between two Ovidian tales
Steve Jobs commencement speech
Is there no age for education?
What is under our feet?

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Movies

Rhetorical analysis of Romeo + Juliet.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Analyze TV shows based on true events
Summary of "The Prince"
Use of symbolism Harry Potter series
Analyze a famous historical movie
Martin Luther King and “I Have a Dream.” How it changes.
Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
The Phantom of the Opera
The Shawshank Redemption

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics About Speeches

“Full Power of Women” by Priyanka Chopra
Analysis of the farewell address of a famous president
Joseph Stiglitz’ The Price of Inequality
A rhetorical analysis of President Biden’s speech on inauguration day
Speech from President Trump
Malala Yousafzai speech for students
Any speech delivered by George W. Bush: what does it carry?
Rhetorical analysis of Pope Urban II’s Speech at Clermont, 1095.
Any given Sunday speech

Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

The rhetoric of blogs and online writing.
Animal Farm
Yellow journalism
The spirit level
“The Hunger Games” vs. “The Lottery”
Art through history
Out of Africa
Rhetorical analysis of creative ads
Culture and arts
Analyze the text in a famous TV campaign

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

The Hunger Games vs. the Lottery
Backpacks vs. Briefcases
Jazz vs. Rock
"Death of a Salesman" Vs. "The White Heron"
Lord of the Flies: civilization vs. savagery.
The Breakfast Club Ending Scene vs. The Danger of a Single Story
Life in high school vs. life in college
Adolf Hitler vs. Joseph Stalin
American vs. Chinese concepts of beauty.
Gandalf vs. Dumbledore

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for 2022

Rhetorical Analysis of "The Ethics of Belief" by Clifford
Summary and Analysis of Jared Diamond’s "Easter Islands' End"
Rhetorical Analysis of "Success Strategies”
Anne Lamott’s "Traveling Mercies
”Joseph Stiglitz “The Price of Inequality”
Rhetorical Analysis of “The Sun Is Also a Star”
Summary and Analysis "Guns, Germs, And Steel”
Rhetorical Analysis of “Forty Rules of Love”
“The Host” Summary“
The Kite Runner” Summary and Analysis

How to Choose a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic?

When you choose the topic for the rhetorical analysis essay, you should follow some tips. Also, save yourself from selecting a bad essay topic. For your help, we gathered some tips that will make your topic selection phase easy.

Choose an interesting rhetorical question that has the scope of research or writing.
Brainstorm the essay topic ideas.
Pick the one that grabs the reader’s attention.
You have little information about the topic.
Select the topic by knowing the opposing viewpoints.
Consult your professor and get guidance from them for your topic.
Know the target audience’s interests and choices.
Collect information about the rhetorical devices that you can discuss in the essay.
Determine the rhetorical strategy.

We hope that the lists mentioned above will help you select your next rhetorical analysis topic. Therefore, choose the best one according to your interest and scope.

Are you still having trouble choosing your topic or writing your rhetorical analysis essay? Consult 5StarEssays.com . We are here for you round the clock and provide the best essay writing services.

Our qualified essay writers deliver high-quality work at the most affordable rates. You only have to request to write my essay and our writers are ready to help you.

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Betty is a freelance writer and researcher. She has a Masters in literature and enjoys providing writing services to her clients. Betty is an avid reader and loves learning new things. She has provided writing services to clients from all academic levels and related academic fields.

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay - The Ultimate Guide

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline - Template & Writing Guide

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example - Samples By Experts

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Published by Grace Graffin at August 22nd, 2021 , Revised On August 22, 2023

“In a rhetorical analysis essay , the author analyses the text rhetorically. A rhetorical analysis essay exploits figures of speech to have a compelling or persuasive effect on the audience.”

This means that it looks at how the author says what they are saying rather than what they are saying. In a nutshell, a literary analysis essay explores the techniques, goals, and appeals to the readers.

The structure of a rhetorical analysis essay is similar to that of an argumentative essay . It starts by making a bold claim to hook the readers and present the thesis statement in the introduction section. The main body discusses the text, and the conclusion chapter wraps it all up.

This article explains the important conceptions of rhetorical writing and provides tips on writing a first-class rhetorical analysis essay.

The Key Concepts of Rhetoric

Rhetoric is the art of effective or persuasive writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques to figure out how they are designed to persuade the readers. Here are a few important rhetoric concepts that you should know about.

Text and Context

When analysing text in terms of rhetoric, a text is not necessarily a piece of writing but a piece of information that needs to be analysed. This means that a text can be a piece of writing, an advertisement, a speech, or a sarcastic image.

So, in rhetoric, you will examine not only the language but also the visual components of the piece of information. Take into consideration all the elements surrounding the text, including the information about the author (or creator, designer, maker, etc.), the audience the text was developed for, and where, when, and why the text was developed.

Keeping these elements of the text in mind can help you produce an informed rhetorical analysis essay. For example, the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s’ remains one of the most powerful and influential speeches. However, a person who doesn’t know the civil rights movements’ context will not understand its power.

Appeals: Logos, Ethos, Pathos

It is the appeals that enable the author to persuade the readers. The three rhetoric appeals, including logos, ethos, and pathos, were defined by famous philosopher Aristotle and referred to as the rhetoric triangle.

Logos , also known as logical appeal, is the most popular approach to making an argument in academic writing. In rhetoric, it refers to the use of reasoned arguments to convince the audience.

Ethos , also called the ethical appeal, is about the writer painting themselves as a subject expert. For example, if you are making an argument about the quality of distance education, then indicate your qualifications to show you are an expert in the field of education. Similarly, if you are arguing for the moral permissibility of after-birth abortion, then you could present yourself as a medical expert to enhance your authority and authenticity.

Pathos , also called the pathetic appeal, evokes the readers’ emotions of anger, love, sympathy, or hate. It involves the use of vivid imagery and emotional speaking to try to induce the audience’s emotions.

All three appeals are essential aspects of rhetoric. The author can use one or all three of them to persuade the readers.

Claims, Supports, and Warrants

Rhetoric always aims to express an argument, whether the readers must deduce one (e.g. from a sarcastic text) or the author clearly and logically defines one. The arguments involve claims, supports, and warrants.

A claim is a bold statement that the author expresses to grab the attention of the readers. The argument can be made out of one single claim or out of several. Claims are generally overtly specified, but they may also just be implied in some kinds of text.

Each claim needs support, which could be anything that enables the author to persuade the audience. These may appear in the form of hard evidence or responsive appeals.

Claims need support, and the warrant act as a bridge between them. A warrant takes the form of an assumption or logic. The warrant may not be stated outside the boundaries of formal argumentation – the author shoulders the readers will recognise the connection between the claim and the support. Still, it would help if you aimed to establish the implied warranty.

For example, consider the following rhetorical statement:

Rhetoric Statement

Both teams were missing their star performers; the crowd was not entertained.

We can see a claim and support in the above statement, but the warrant is not apparent. It is up to the readers to assume the warrant implied in the statement. For example, the warrant in the above statement assumes that the presence of star performers in the two teams would have entertained the crowd. Depending on the individual reader’s assumption, they may or may not be convinced by this argument.

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How to Analyse the Text?

The rhetoric analysis is all about reviewing the text in detail and raising questions to figure out the real meaning and aim behind it. Avoid selecting concepts in advance and applying them to the text. Here are some questions that you should ask:

Who is the author of the text? What is their background?
What is the purpose of the text?
Did the author discuss a range of topics or focus solely on the key claims made in the text?
Did the author use emotional appeals (sympathy, anger, love) to persuade the readers?
What tone did they take? Formal or informal? Imposing or personal?
Who was the targeted audience? Did the author successfully reach and convince their desired audience?
What is the nature of the support provided by the author?

By finding answers to these questions, you can successfully establish the rhetorical devices used in the text. Rather than cramming in every rhetoric device you can think of – it would be appropriate to consider the ones that directly relate to the text.

You will find below information on how to write different parts of a rhetorical analysis.

How to Write the Introduction of your Rhetorical Analysis?

The introduction of a rhetoric analysis starts with a bold opening statement. It then provides background information pertaining to the text, such as what and who the text is for, and expresses the thesis statement.

Here is an example of a rhetoric analysis introduction.

How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)

November 27, 2023

Feeling intimidated by the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? We’re here to help demystify. Whether you’re cramming for the AP Lang exam right now or planning to take the test down the road, we’ve got crucial rubric information, helpful tips, and an essay example to prepare you for the big day. This post will cover 1) What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? 2) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Rubric 3) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis: Sample Prompt 4) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example 5)AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Why It Works

What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you to synthesize, analyze, and interpret texts and develop well-reasoned arguments. The three essays include:

Synthesis essay: You’ll review various pieces of evidence and then write an essay that synthesizes (aka combines and interprets) the evidence and presents a clear argument. Read our write up on How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay here.

Argumentative essay: You’ll take a stance on a specific topic and argue your case.

Rhetorical essay: You’ll read a provided passage, then analyze the author’s rhetorical choices and develop an argument that explains why the author made those rhetorical choices.

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Rubric

The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is graded on just 3 rubric categories: Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . At a glance, the rubric categories may seem vague, but AP exam graders are actually looking for very particular things in each category. We’ll break it down with dos and don’ts for each rubric category:

Thesis (0-1 point)

There’s nothing nebulous when it comes to grading AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay thesis. You either have one or you don’t. Including a thesis gets you one point closer to a high score and leaving it out means you miss out on one crucial point. So, what makes a thesis that counts?

Make sure your thesis argues something about the author’s rhetorical choices. Making an argument means taking a risk and offering your own interpretation of the provided text. This is an argument that someone else might disagree with.
A good test to see if you have a thesis that makes an argument. In your head, add the phrase “I think that…” to the beginning of your thesis. If what follows doesn’t logically flow after that phrase (aka if what follows isn’t something you and only you think), it’s likely you’re not making an argument.
Avoid a thesis that merely restates the prompt.
Avoid a thesis that summarizes the text but does not make an argument.

Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)

This rubric category is graded on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest grade. Per the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis rubric, to get a 4, you’ll want to:

Include lots of specific evidence from the text. There is no set golden number of quotes to include, but you’ll want to make sure you’re incorporating more than a couple pieces of evidence that support your argument about the author’s rhetorical choices.
Make sure you include more than one type of evidence, too. Let’s say you’re working on your essay and have gathered examples of alliteration to include as supporting evidence. That’s just one type of rhetorical choice, and it’s hard to make a credible argument if you’re only looking at one type of evidence. To fix that issue, reread the text again looking for patterns in word choice and syntax, meaningful figurative language and imagery, literary devices, and other rhetorical choices, looking for additional types of evidence to support your argument.
After you include evidence, offer your own interpretation and explain how this evidence proves the point you make in your thesis.
Don’t summarize or speak generally about the author and the text. Everything you write must be backed up with evidence.
Don’t let quotes speak for themselves. After every piece of evidence you include, make sure to explain your interpretation. Also, connect the evidence to your overarching argument.

Sophistication (0-1 point)

In this case, sophistication isn’t about how many fancy vocabulary words or how many semicolons you use. According to College Board , one point can be awarded to AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essays that “demonstrate sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation” in any of these three ways:

Explaining the significance or relevance of the writer’s rhetorical choices.
Explaining the purpose or function of the passage’s complexities or tensions.
Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.

Note that you don’t have to achieve all three to earn your sophistication point. A good way to think of this rubric category is to consider it a bonus point that you can earn for going above and beyond in depth of analysis or by writing an especially persuasive, clear, and well-structured essay. In order to earn this point, you’ll need to first do a good job with your thesis, evidence, and commentary.

Focus on nailing an argumentative thesis and multiple types of evidence. Getting these fundamentals of your essay right will set you up for achieving depth of analysis.
Explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis.
Spend a minute outlining your essay before you begin to ensure your essay flows in a clear and cohesive way.
Steer clear of generalizations about the author or text.
Don’t include arguments you can’t prove with evidence from the text.
Avoid complex sentences and fancy vocabulary words unless you use them often. Long, clunky sentences with imprecisely used words are hard to follow.

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis: Sample Prompt

The sample prompt below is published online by College Board and is a real example from the 2021 AP Exam. The prompt provides background context, essay instructions, and the text you need to analyze. For sake of space, we’ve included the text as an image you can click to read. After the prompt, we provide a sample high scoring essay and then explain why this AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay example works.

Suggested time—40 minutes.

(This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.)

On February 27, 2013, while in office, former president Barack Obama delivered the following address dedicating the Rosa Parks statue in the National Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol building. Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Obama makes to convey his message.

In your response you should do the following:

Respond to the prompt with a thesis that analyzes the writer’s rhetorical choices.
Select and use evidence to support your line of reasoning.
Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.
Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

In his speech delivered in 2013 at the dedication of Rosa Park’s statue, President Barack Obama acknowledges everything that Parks’ activism made possible in the United States. Telling the story of Parks’ life and achievements, Obama highlights the fact that Parks was a regular person whose actions accomplished enormous change during the civil rights era. Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did.

Although it might be a surprising way to start to his dedication, Obama begins his speech by telling us who Parks was not: “Rosa Parks held no elected office. She possessed no fortune” he explains in lines 1-2. Later, when he tells the story of the bus driver who threatened to have Parks arrested when she refused to get off the bus, he explains that Parks “simply replied, ‘You may do that’” (lines 22-23). Right away, he establishes that Parks was a regular person who did not hold a seat of power. Her protest on the bus was not part of a larger plan, it was a simple response. By emphasizing that Parks was not powerful, wealthy, or loud spoken, he implies that Parks’ style of activism is an everyday practice that all of us can aspire to.

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (Continued)

Even though Obama portrays Parks as a demure person whose protest came “simply” and naturally, he shows the importance of her activism through long lists of ripple effects. When Parks challenged her arrest, Obama explains, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood with her and “so did thousands of Montgomery, Alabama commuters” (lines 27-28). They began a boycott that included “teachers and laborers, clergy and domestics, through rain and cold and sweltering heat, day after day, week after week, month after month, walking miles if they had to…” (lines 28-31). In this section of the speech, Obama’s sentences grow longer and he uses lists to show that Parks’ small action impacted and inspired many others to fight for change. Further, listing out how many days, weeks, and months the boycott lasted shows how Parks’ single act of protest sparked a much longer push for change.

To further illustrate Parks’ impact, Obama incorporates Biblical references that emphasize the importance of “that single moment on the bus” (lines 57-58). In lines 33-35, Obama explains that Parks and the other protestors are “driven by a solemn determination to affirm their God-given dignity” and he also compares their victory to the fall the “ancient walls of Jericho” (line 43). By of including these Biblical references, Obama suggests that Parks’ action on the bus did more than correct personal or political wrongs; it also corrected moral and spiritual wrongs. Although Parks had no political power or fortune, she was able to restore a moral balance in our world.

Toward the end of the speech, Obama states that change happens “not mainly through the exploits of the famous and the powerful, but through the countless acts of often anonymous courage and kindness” (lines 78-81). Through carefully chosen diction that portrays her as a quiet, regular person and through lists and Biblical references that highlight the huge impacts of her action, Obama illustrates exactly this point. He wants us to see that, just like Parks, the small and meek can change the world for the better.

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Why It Works

We would give the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay above a score of 6 out of 6 because it fully satisfies the essay’s 3 rubric categories: Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . Let’s break down what this student did:

The thesis of this essay appears in the last line of the first paragraph:

“ Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did .”

This student’s thesis works because they make a clear argument about Obama’s rhetorical choices. They 1) list the rhetorical choices that will be analyzed in the rest of the essay (the italicized text above) and 2) include an argument someone else might disagree with (the bolded text above).

Evidence and Commentary:

This student includes substantial evidence and commentary. Things they do right, per the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis rubric:

They include lots of specific evidence from the text in the form of quotes.
They incorporate 3 different types of evidence (diction, long lists, Biblical references).
After including evidence, they offer an interpretation of what the evidence means and explain how the evidence contributes to their overarching argument (aka their thesis).

Sophistication

This essay achieves sophistication according to the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay rubric in a few key ways:

This student provides an introduction that flows naturally into the topic their essay will discuss. Before they get to their thesis, they tell us that Obama portrays Parks as a “regular person” setting up their main argument: Obama wants all regular people to aspire to do good in the world just as Rosa Parks did.
They organize evidence and commentary in a clear and cohesive way. Each body paragraph focuses on just one type of evidence.
They explain how their evidence is significant. In the final sentence of each body paragraph, they draw a connection back to the overarching argument presented in the thesis.
All their evidence supports the argument presented in their thesis. There is no extraneous evidence or misleading detail.
They consider nuances in the text. Rather than taking the text at face value, they consider what Obama’s rhetorical choices imply and offer their own unique interpretation of those implications.
In their final paragraph, they come full circle, reiterate their thesis, and explain what Obama’s rhetorical choices communicate to readers.
Their sentences are clear and easy to read. There are no grammar errors or misused words.

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay—More Resources

Looking for more tips to help your master your AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? Brush up on 20 Rhetorical Devices High School Students Should Know and read our Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension . If you’re ready to start studying for another part of the AP English Exam, find more expert tips in our How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis blog post.

Considering what other AP classes to take? Read up on the Hardest AP Classes .

High School Success

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics: 20 Best Examples to Use

by Antony W

June 9, 2024

Between the thousands of over-analyzed rhetorical analysis essay topics and innumerable more that are too complicated to write about, it is usually a challenge to pick a good one.

Ideally, you want a topic that is so common enough that it needs little introduction, yet unique so that your essay is fresh and outstanding.

Some innovative fellows manage to come up with fresh twists on old topics, but this isn't always possible.

We will explore some of the best rhetorical analysis topics to use in your essay, as well as how to choose one when presented with a list of possible ideas.

Qualities of a Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic

A rhetorical analysis essay is a critical evaluation of how a communicator puts their point across and what linguistic devices they employ to do that.

You will be looking at how they manipulate words to achieve the desired effect.

Therefore, the most basic quality is that the work you choose to analyze must be highly compelling and influential as proof of its effectiveness.

This is partly why most students and experts alike choose to stick to world-famous classics. However, that doesn't mean there aren't great works to make interesting topics elsewhere.

Here are the things to watch out for when selecting work for a rhetorical analysis essay.

The topic you choose needs to be fresh if it is to excite any interest.

Your instructor has probably seen hundreds of essays, if not thousands.

If you want to impress them, either have a fresh angle or pick one that is not already picked to the bone by other students.

You have probably heard this before: a topic that is not too specific, neither too broad.

You want it to be just right for your essay.

One that is too wide will need extensive research before you can have enough background to write authoritatively.

One that is too focused will not give you enough material to work with.

3. Personal Interest

Choose a topic that you can relate to or that intrigues you. It might be a favorite writer, a respected orator, a movie you particularly enjoyed, or an all-time top song.

That way, you are assured of enjoying the writing process all the way through and your authenticity will shine through the writing.

You can also choose a topic that is part of your job, a hobby, or that you are well-versed in. It will give you a head start and save time on research.

4. Appeal to Your Audience

Remember that you are writing for an audience and that you expect a good grade out of it.

Think about what kind of topics your instructor would like or at least not object to.

If you will be presenting it in class, go for a topic that your classmates will enjoy.

5. Strong and Clear Arguments

A bland topic will have almost no material for you to write about.

A plain text, speech, video, or other communication will be too dry for you to properly write about.

It will be much better for you if you use one with strong arguments, flowery language, and obvious mastery of literary skills.

This rules out academic and scholarly works because they tend to use dry language without bias.

Bias is what will give you fuel, and the arguments for or against them will form a big part of your essay.

6. Relevance to Contemporary Issues

Review a work that is still relevant to today's issues and controversial topics because those will always draw interest.

7. Well Known Or Common

Choose a topic or work that is famous enough that you don't have to introduce it to your audience in the essay.

If you go for one that is obscure or too new, you will have to give a full breakdown to get the reader on the same page with you.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Writing Help

Help for Assessments offers lots of useful material to students at all levels, but we don’t stop there. We will write your rhetorical analysis essay for you and handle any other academic assignment or project you have.

All you need to do is leave us an order, and our outstanding experts will get on it at once.

How to Choose Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Choosing topics for a rhetorical analysis essay is not very different compared to choosing other essay topics.

You will start with a general topic, narrow it down to an appropriate one that fulfills the above qualities, and select a work covering that topic on which to write the essay.

Please note that fictional works don’t do very well when it comes to rhetorical analysis, so it’s best to avoid them from the get-go.

The same applies to comedic and funny works unless they are meant to address serious and relevant issues in society.

1. Define your objectives

Remember that the objectives for writing a rhetorical analysis essay are different from those of other essays.

You are not trying to prove or disprove the work or even build upon it in any way.

Your main goal is to show that you understand how the communicator uses various tools and techniques to compel or influence the reader.

You might also be looking to prove to your instructor that you can think critically, read between the lines, and perhaps unearth hidden messages.

Defining these objectives is your first step.

2. Brainstorm Topic Ideas

Explore various avenues to get possible ideas for your topic.

These days, you can gather ideas pretty quickly online, especially through platforms such as this one.

You can also watch videos, listen to speeches or podcasts, or even just ask friends, family, and strangers on online forums. Gather all the ideas you get and write them down.

3. Select One or Two that Meet the Criteria

It will be easy to eliminate some of the ideas you have gathered: they are too common, irrelevant, obscure, or challenging.

With the remaining ones, assess them against the given criteria.

You will often come across one or two that appeal strongly to you, so give them special consideration.

4. Look Into Available Research

Whether you have narrowed down to the one you are looking for or not, this stage is essential.

You will want to check on what data is currently available to support your chosen topic.

This is also where you will be checking to see if that topic is too wide, too narrow, or too common.

If you come across any problem here, a change of approach or topic will be easier than having to do it later.

5. Find Works that Interest You Within Your Discipline

For college assignments, you will mostly be reviewing books, articles, and journals.

However, you might also be given speeches, videos, movies, songs, and even pieces of art to analyze.

Other instructors will give you the freedom to choose.

Whichever the case, now is the time to pick out the right work and make sure that it is expressive and rich enough to review.

With this plan, you will find it much easier to select great topics for your rhetorical essay.

Sometimes you may have to mix up the steps a bit, but it’s still a great plan.

We have used it to come up with lots of great sample topics that we are now going to share with you.

20+ Example Topics for Your Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Brainstorm ideas.

A new writer, orator, or famous leader you find impactful.
A speech or article from a president, CEO, Nobel prize winner, or other respected people.
A world-famous movie.
A book that influenced your life greatly.
Contrasting different writers on a topic, e.g, feminism or ethics.
How a certain theme is explored in literature or contemporary media e.g. role of a man as a father figure, hope, ambition, etc.
One of the lesser-known classics such as Little Big Man by Thomas Berger.
A less-known poem from a famous poet.
An influential political work.
A scene or part from a dramatic movie, video, or even news on mainstream media.
A favorite blogger, vlogger, or Instagram star.
The inaugural address of a president.
A sermon from a favorite preacher.
A monologue from a famous play, e.g. Shakespear.
Acceptance speech during an award, e.g. Pink’s acceptance speech in the 2017 VMA awards.

Sample Topics

Charlie Chaplin’s famous speech The Great Dictator.
Obama’s “ A More Perfect Union.”
Obama’s inaugural address in 2009.
Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement speech.
The movie Thank You for Smoking.
Superbowl ads (choose one effective one) or any other timeless ad.
Plato’s Republic.
Mona Lisa’s smile (if you are very good at art and can fill 4 pages with it.)
Silent Voices in Three Poems.
Charles Spurgeon sermons.
Clifford’s The Ethics of Belief.
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien.
A poem by Edgar Allan Poe, Raven.
Analyze the theme of loyalty in Barn Burning by William Faulkner.
Discuss solitude in literature.

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

How To Write A Rhetorical Analysis Essay That Stands Out

17 min read

Published on: Jul 17, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Rhetorical analysis is a type of college essay in which the writer conducts a deep analysis of an object.

In this type of analysis, the object of analysis is mostly some kind of book, a movie, or any other type of creative work.

When it comes to rhetorical analysis, a writer picks a particular subject and analyzes its effects on the surroundings and the target audience.

It is important to mention that rhetorical analysis can be done on nearly anything that comes to your mind. Be it a billboard, a logo, a motto, or anything else you can think of.

What are the Five Rhetorical Situations?

The concept of the rhetorical situation is an essential aspect of rhetorical analysis. The following are the five rhetorical situations that you need to consider when analyzing a text:

Audience : The audience refers to the individuals who receive the message. Understanding the audience's characteristics, values, and expectations is crucial in crafting persuasive communication that resonates with them.
Purpose : The purpose is the reason why the communication is created. It could be to inform, entertain, persuade, or educate the audience.
Speaker : The speaker is the person who creates or delivers the communication. The speaker's characteristics, such as their credibility, expertise, and reputation, play a significant role in how the audience perceives and responds to the message.
Occasion : The occasion is the event or situation that prompts the creation of the communication. The occasion may affect the tone, language, and overall message of the communication.
Context : The context is the broader environment that shapes the communication, including the cultural, social, political, and historical factors. Understanding the context helps you analyze how the message relates to larger societal issues and trends.

What are the Three Rhetorical Analysis Strategies?

There are three main methods of persuasion: ethos, pathos, and logos. To be successful in persuading someone, you need to understand how to use each of these methods.

Ethos (Credibility)

Ethos focuses on the credibility and authority of the speaker or author. It involves evaluating their expertise, knowledge, experience, and reputation. By examining the speaker's ethos, you can assess how their credibility influences the audience's perception of the message.

Look for elements such as professional qualifications, personal anecdotes, or references to establish ethos.

Pathos (Emotional Appeal)

Pathos involves appealing to the emotions and values of the audience. This strategy aims to evoke specific emotions, such as empathy, fear, joy, or anger, to create a connection with the audience. Analyze the use of vivid language, storytelling, imagery, personal anecdotes, or appeals to shared values and beliefs.

Consider how these emotional appeals impact the audience's engagement and response.

Logos (Logical Reasoning)

Logos centers on logical reasoning and appeals to the audience's rationality and critical thinking. It involves analyzing the use of evidence, statistics, logical arguments, facts, and logical structures within the text.

Assess how the author or speaker supports their claims, presents a logical progression of ideas, and uses reasoning to persuade the audience.

Check out this blog on ethos, pathos, logos for dig deeper into these rhetorical strategies!

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Structure

Below is a rhetorical analysis essay structure for your help.

How To Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay may seem challenging at first, but with a systematic approach, you can effectively analyze and interpret a piece of rhetoric.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft a successful rhetorical analysis essay.

Analyzing The Text

Before you directly hop on to write your rhetorical analysis essay, make sure that you follow some prewriting steps. These steps will make essay writing easy and less time-consuming.

Some simple pre-writing steps of such an essay are as follows:

Identify your Target Audience

Identifying the audience is the most important factor for an essay. Identifying the audience allows the writer to write the essay according to the intellectual level of the intended audience.

If a writer writes the essay without knowing the audience, all the effort will go in vain as the audience will not understand the essay's purpose.

The Subject of the Essay

Another important thing about a rhetorical analysis essay is identifying and analyzing the chosen subjectâs underlying meaning. A writer of this essay type should understand that message and explain it in a few words.

Define Purpose

Defining the purpose of the rhetorical analysis essay provides logic to the reader for the essay. The writer explains the reason behind the composition and what made them choose a particular topic for an essay.

Mention the Occasion

The occasion refers to the work and its setting. When analyzing the occasion, two approaches are used, i.e., micro view and macro view. Both these views are used to explain where the occasion took place.

Identify the SOAPSTone

The SOAPSTone of a text includes its Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, and Tone. Further elaboration of SOAPSTone is as follows:

Speaker: The speaker basically refers to the first and last name of the writer.
Occasion: The occasion mostly refers to the type of text and the context under which the text was written.
Audience: The audience is who the text was written for.
Purpose: The purpose refers to what the writer wants to accomplish in the text.
Subject: The subject is simply the topic the writer discusses in the text.

These were some basic pre-writing steps for a rhetorical analysis essay. Letâs move forward and see what steps we need to follow to write a good rhetorical analysis essay.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

An outline is an essential part of essay writing. It serves as a guide for the reader throughout the essay.

All the information you have gathered so far needs to be organized. A rhetorical analysis outline can help you in this regard.

A rhetorical analysis essay uses the typical 5-paragraph outline. It has the following elements:

Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion

Let us see what elements are added in these five parts of a rhetorical analysis essay.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Introduction

The introduction is the first part of an essay. This part of the essay must be made as attractive as possible.

The reader can perceive the whole idea of the essay by just reading the introduction. This is why this part should be interesting, as well as expressive.

Essay introduction usually starts with a hook sentence. The hook sentence is an attention-grabbing sentence that can be a quotation, fact, or even a question.

The most important part of the essay, the thesis statement, is stated in this part. It is stated somewhere before the last sentence of the introduction.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the scene element in an outline and come after the introductory paragraph.

In these paragraphs, the writer elaborates on the key elements in detail. Usually, there are three body paragraphs in this type of academic essay.

Each body paragraph is written to explain a key element. All the facts and evidence the writer has collected for that point are also mentioned in that paragraph.

Keep in mind a topic sentence is used to start a paragraph. This sentence is just like a short introduction to the body paragraph. It gives the reader an idea about the element that will be discussed in the following paragraph.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Conclusion

After all the information is mentioned in the body paragraphs, the reader expects to see how you represent your final analysis. The writer is supposed to give the final verdict in the last part, which is the conclusion.

The conclusion is the shortest but the most technical part of an essay. In this part, the entire essay is summarized in such a way that all the key elements are once again revised.

Also, the thesis statement is reiterated but uses more convincing words.

In a rhetorical analysis essay conclusion, it should be mentioned how the main argument is proved right. The writer also presents the impact of the authorâs work on the audience in the past paragraph.

Make sure to look at the example below for more information.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Sample (PDF)

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples

To gain a better understanding of how to write a rhetorical analysis essay, it can be helpful to examine some examples. Here are a few notable examples that showcase the application of rhetorical analysis techniques:

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

A visual rhetorical analysis essay document communicates primarily through images or the interaction of image and text.

Here is an example of such an essay.

Visual Rhetorical Essay Example (PDF)

H3- Rh etorical Analysis Essay Example: AP Language

Rhetorical analysis done in AP Language and Composition is one of the biggest tasks a student can ever get. There are some specific tips that you need to follow for this purpose. Those major tips are mentioned below:

Understand the Prompt

It is a must for this type of essay to understand the prompt to know what the task demands from you.

Stick to the Format

The content for the rhetorical analysis should be properly organized and structured. The rhetorical analysis essay outline divides all the information into different sections such as introduction, body, and conclusion.

Look at the example given below and see how a well-written rhetorical analysis essay is written for AP language.

AP Rhetorical Analysis Essay (PDF)

Letter from Birmingham Jail Rhetorical Analysis Essay (PDF)

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Rubric (PDF)

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Format (PDF)

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example High School (PDF)

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Writing an essay is easy, but finding a good topic to compose an essay on is the real deal. Similarly, writing a rhetorical analysis essay becomes very easy when a writer has a good topic in hand.

Here we have summed up some very good rhetorical analysis essay topics. One of them might help you to compose an impressive rhetorical analysis essay.

Easy Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

âI Am Prepared to Dieâ by Nelson Mandela
Nobel Peace Prize Speech by Malala Yousafzai
The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln
âFull Power of Womenâ by Priyanka Chopra
Emma Watsonâs speech on the Power of Women
âIntegrityâ speech by Warren Buffet
Freedom Speech from Braveheart
Ending Scene from The Breakfast Club
Maximusâ Speech to Commodus from Gladiator
Oprahâs 2018 Golden Globes speech

High School Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Rhetorical Analysis of âThe Olympic Gamesâ
âNFL And the Concussion Rulesâ
BCS or Playoffs
AAU or NBA; which team has more fan following?
Rhetorical Analysis of âFootball World Cupâ
Kobe Bryant or LeBron
Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Sports Encomia
Rhetorical Analysis of Symbolic Power of Sports
The communication between the players and a coach.
Rhetorical Analysis of the use of steroids

College Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Importance of theme of hope in literature
The fact does not support the rhetorical questions.
A streetcar named desire.
Conduct a rhetorical analysis of the Bible
The key allegories are used in Daddy by Sylvia Plath.
The absurdity of the Afterlife
Do we laugh when someone tickles us?
The year of magical thinking
Rhetorical analysis of James Joyceâs Ulysses
Analyze a piece of work from the Parks library

Tips to Write an Effective Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Writing a strong rhetorical analysis essay requires careful analysis, persuasive writing skills, and attention to detail.

Here are five tips to help you write an effective essay:

Analyze the Rhetorical Situation

Before diving into the analysis, thoroughly understand the rhetorical situation. Consider the author, audience, purpose, and context of the text. This understanding will shape your analysis and help you identify the most relevant rhetorical devices.

Focus on Key Rhetorical Devices

Identify and analyze the key rhetorical devices used in the text. Look for devices such as ethos, logos, pathos, rhetorical questions, metaphors, and analogies. Discuss how these devices contribute to the author's persuasive techniques and the overall effectiveness of the text.

Provide Strong Evidence

Back up your analysis with strong evidence from the text. Quote specific passages, examples, or statistics to support your claims. Ensure that your evidence directly relates to the rhetorical devices and strategies you are discussing.

Consider the Impact on the Audience

Evaluate how the rhetorical devices and strategies used in the text affect the target audience. Discuss the emotional, logical, and ethical appeals created by these devices and their potential influence on the readers or listeners.

Structure and Coherence

Organize your essay in a logical and coherent manner. Use a clear introduction that provides context and presents your thesis statement. Develop body paragraphs that focus on specific rhetorical devices, supporting your analysis with evidence.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid While Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay requires careful attention to detail and critical thinking. To ensure a successful essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls and avoid them:

Summarizing Instead of Analyzing

One of the main pitfalls is falling into the trap of summarizing the text instead of analyzing it. Remember that your task is to dissect the rhetorical devices and strategies used by the author, not simply summarize the content of the text.

Neglecting the Rhetorical Context

Failing to consider the rhetorical context of the text can weaken your analysis. Always take into account the author's purpose, intended audience, and the social, historical, or cultural context in which the text was produced.

Lack of Focus

Stay focused on the main argument or thesis of your essay. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information. Every point you make should directly support your thesis and contribute to the overall analysis.

Insufficient Evidence and Examples

To strengthen your analysis, provide ample evidence and examples from the text. Merely stating your interpretation is not enough; you need to back it up with specific quotes, examples, or references.

Overgeneralizing or Oversimplifying

Be cautious of overgeneralizing or oversimplifying the author's intent or the impact of rhetorical devices. Avoid making broad statements without proper evidence or disregarding the complexity of the text.

Lack of Structure and Coherence

A poorly structured essay can undermine the effectiveness of your analysis. Ensure that your essay has a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.

Neglecting Revision and Proofreading

Failing to revise and proofread your essay can lead to errors and inconsistencies. Take the time to review your essay, checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing a rhetorical analysis essay can open doors to a deeper understanding of persuasive communication.

By following the outlined structure and incorporating the provided tips, you can confidently navigate the process and produce a compelling essay.

Now that you have a solid understanding of rhetorical analysis, it's time to put your knowledge into practice.

If you need assistance with your college essays or any other academic writing, consider trying our AI writing tool .

Our writing service consists of experienced writers who can provide professional essay help .

Visit our rhetorical analysis essay writing service today and take the first step towards academic success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the elements of a rhetorical analysis.

The main elements of a rhetorical analysis essay are:

Situation
Audience
Purpose
Medium
Context

How do you end a rhetorical analysis essay?

Here are some ways that help you to end the rhetorical analysis essay.

Summarize the entire essay.
Restate the thesis statement.
Focus on the main ideas.

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How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis: Full Guide

Have you ever been completely fascinated by a speech or ad, wondering how it managed to convince you so effectively? From powerful political speeches to catchy commercials, persuasion is all around us, shaping our thoughts and choices every day.

In this guide, we'll explain all about a rhetorical analysis essay. We'll break down the clever tricks writers and speakers use to win over their audience, like how they choose their words carefully and play with our emotions. This article will give you the tools you need to understand and analyze texts more deeply. So, let’s jump right in and start by understanding the nature of this assignment first.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of essay where you examine how authors or speakers use words, phrases, and other techniques to influence or persuade their audience. This type of essay focuses on analyzing the strategies used by the writer or speaker to achieve their purpose, whether it's to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke.

You'll dissect the text or speech into its components, looking at how each part contributes to the overall message. This might involve examining the introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, evidence, and conclusion.

Once you've identified the strategies used, you'll assess their effectiveness in achieving the author's or speaker's purpose. This involves considering the intended audience, context, and the impact of the communication.

As per our essay writing service , some common topics for rhetorical analysis include analyzing speeches by influential leaders, dissecting political advertisements, or examining the rhetoric used in literary works.

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Rhetorical Analysis Topic Ideas

Now that we've grasped the essence of a rhetorical analysis essay let's explore some potential topics you might consider for your own analysis. Here are 15 specific ideas to get you started:

The Use of Metaphors in Barack Obama's 'Yes We Can' Speech
Visual Rhetoric in Dove's 'Real Beauty' Advertising Campaign
The Role of Irony in Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal'
The Manipulation of Emotions in Coca-Cola's 'Share a Coke' Campaign
The Repetition Technique in Winston Churchill's 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches' Speech
The Argument Structure in Michelle Obama's Speech on Education
The Use of Imagery in Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven'
Gender Stereotypes in Old Spice's 'The Man Your Man Could Smell Like' Ad
Satirical Elements in George Orwell's 'Animal Farm'
The Influence of Tone in Greta Thunberg's Climate Change Speeches
Political Symbolism in Banksy's Street Art
Humor as Persuasion in Ellen DeGeneres' Stand-Up Comedy
The Power of Silence in Emma Watson's UN Speech on Gender Equality
Ethical Appeals in ASPCA's Animal Rights Advertisements
The Cultural References in Super Bowl Commercials: A Case Study

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis

Understanding how to start a rhetorical analysis essay involves dissecting a piece of communication to learn how it works and what effect it aims to achieve. This analytical process typically includes five paragraphs and three main parts: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Below, our analytical essay writing service will explain each in more detail

Major Rhetorical Elements

Before heading towards the analysis process, it's essential to grasp some key rhetorical concepts that will help guide your examination of the text or speech. These concepts provide a framework for understanding how authors and speakers use language to persuade and influence their audience.

Ethos, pathos logos in rhetorical analysis form the foundation of persuasive communication and are often intertwined in rhetorical strategies. Ethos refers to the credibility or authority of the speaker or author. Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions, while logos appeals to reason and logic.

There are also other rhetorical devices that are specific techniques or patterns of language used to convey meaning or evoke particular responses. Examples include metaphor, simile, imagery, irony, repetition, and hyperbole. Recognizing and analyzing these devices can provide insight into the author's intended message and its impact on the audience.

Tone and mood also play crucial roles in shaping the audience's perception and response to the communication. Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject matter, while mood describes the emotional atmosphere created by the text.

Whether you ask us - write my essay , or tackle the task yourself, familiarizing yourself with these concepts will help you analyze the text and persuade the audience more effectively.

Understanding Rhetorical Appeals

First off, what is ethos in rhetorical analysis? Well, it revolves around establishing the credibility and authority of the speaker or author. This appeal seeks to convince the audience that the communicator is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and reliable. Ethos in rhetorical analysis can be built through various means, including:

Professional Credentials : Demonstrating expertise in the subject matter through relevant qualifications or experience.
Personal Character : Highlighting traits such as honesty, integrity, and sincerity to engender trust and respect.
Association : Aligning oneself with respected individuals, institutions, or causes to enhance credibility by association.

For instance, in a health-related speech, a doctor might leverage their medical expertise and professional experience (credentials) to establish ethos. Similarly, a celebrity endorsing a product is using their fame and reputation (association) to persuade consumers.

Now, let's understand what is pathos in rhetorical analysis. Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions, aiming to evoke feelings such as empathy, sympathy, joy, anger, or fear. This emotional connection can be a powerful tool for persuasion, as it resonates with the audience on a personal level. Strategies for employing pathos in rhetorical analysis include:

Vivid Imagery : Painting a vivid picture or narrative that elicits strong emotional responses from the audience.
Anecdotes : Sharing personal stories or anecdotes that evoke empathy or sympathy and make the message more relatable.
Language Choice : Using emotive language, sensory details, and rhetorical devices to evoke specific emotional reactions.

For example, in a charity advertisement for children in need, images of impoverished and suffering children coupled with heart-wrenching stories (anecdotes) are used to evoke feelings of compassion and a desire to help.

Lastly, what is logos in rhetorical analysis, you may ask. It appeals to reason and logic, aiming to persuade the audience through rational argumentation and evidence. This appeal relies on facts, statistics, logical reasoning, and sound arguments to convince the audience of the validity of the message. Strategies for employing logos in rhetorical analysis include:

Factual Evidence : Providing empirical data, research findings, or expert opinions to support the argument.
Logical Reasoning : Presenting a well-structured argument with clear premises and conclusions that logically follow one another.
Counterarguments : Addressing potential counterarguments and refuting them with logical reasoning and evidence.

For instance, in a persuasive essay advocating for environmental conservation, the author might present scientific data on climate change (factual evidence) and use logical reasoning to explain the consequences of inaction.

Text and Context

Text analysis involves closely examining the language, structure, and rhetorical devices employed within the communication. This includes identifying key themes, rhetorical appeals, persuasive strategies, and stylistic elements used by the author or speaker to convey their message.

For example, in a political speech advocating for healthcare reform, text analysis might involve identifying the use of rhetorical appeals such as ethos (e.g., highlighting the speaker's experience in healthcare policy), pathos (e.g., sharing anecdotes of individuals struggling with medical costs), and logos (e.g., presenting statistics on healthcare affordability).

Contextual analysis involves considering the broader social, cultural, and historical factors that shape communication and influence its reception. This includes examining the audience demographics, the political and cultural climate, the historical events surrounding the communication, and any relevant societal norms or values.

For instance, when analyzing a historical speech advocating for civil rights, contextual research paper writers might involve considering the social and political context of the time, including prevailing attitudes towards race, ongoing civil rights movements, and recent legislative developments.

Claims, Supports, and Warrants

A claim is a statement or assertion that the author or speaker is advocating for or seeking to prove. Claims can take various forms, including factual claims (assertions of fact), value claims (judgments about what is good or bad), and policy claims (proposals for action). For example, in an argumentative essay about the importance of exercise, the claim might be that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health.

Supports are the evidence, reasoning, or examples provided to substantiate and strengthen the claims being made. Supports can take many forms, including empirical data, expert testimony, personal anecdotes, logical reasoning, and analogies. The quality and relevance of the supports provided play a critical role in the persuasiveness of the argument.

Continuing with the example of the argumentative essay about exercise, supports might include scientific studies demonstrating the health benefits of physical activity, testimonials from fitness experts, and personal stories of individuals who have experienced positive changes from incorporating exercise into their routine.

Warrants are the underlying assumptions or principles that connect the supports to the claims. They provide the reasoning or justification for why the supports are relevant and valid evidence for supporting the claims. Warrants are often implicit rather than explicit and require careful analysis to uncover. In the context of the essay on exercise, the warrant connecting the supports to the claim might be the assumption that actions that promote good health are inherently valuable and worthy of pursuit.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

Whether you opt for the option to buy essay or start writing it yourself, it's important to use a clear plan to organize your thoughts well. This plan usually includes four main steps, each looking at different parts of your analysis.

Analyzing the Text

Before writing a rhetorical analysis, take the time to thoroughly analyze the text you'll be examining. This means more than just skimming through it; it requires a thorough understanding of its subtleties and complexities. Here are some questions to guide your analysis:

How does the text try to sway its audience? What methods does it use to convince or influence them?
Which rhetorical appeals—ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), logos (logic)—does the author use, and how do they contribute to the overall argument?
What specific rhetorical devices and strategies does the author employ to effectively convey their message? Are there any patterns or recurring motifs?
How does the structure of the text contribute to its persuasive power or overall impact?
Are there any cultural, historical, or contextual factors that influence how the text is perceived or understood?

By scrutinizing the text in this manner, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how it functions and the techniques employed by the author to achieve their desired effect.

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your analysis by providing essential context and framing the discussion. Start by introducing the text you're analyzing, including the author's name and the title of the work. Provide some background information to give context to your analysis. For example, if you're analyzing a speech, mention the occasion or event where it was delivered.

Next, summarize the main arguments or claims made by the author. Highlight the rhetorical techniques they use to persuade their audience. Are they appealing to logic, emotion, credibility, or a combination of these? Use specific examples from the text to illustrate these techniques discussed by our dissertation service .

For instance, if you're analyzing a speech on climate change, mention the speaker's expertise in environmental science to establish credibility. Summarize the key points they make about the consequences of inaction and the urgent need for change.

Finally, conclude your introduction with a clear thesis statement. This statement should encapsulate the main argument or purpose of your analysis.

Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraph

The body paragraphs form the crux of your analysis, where you delve into the details of the text and dissect its rhetorical strategies. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the text, such as the use of ethos, pathos, logos, or specific rhetorical devices.

Utilize Aristotle's rhetorical triangle and other key concepts introduced earlier to guide your analysis. Provide quotations or examples from the text to illustrate your points and explain why the author chose certain approaches. Evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in achieving the author's goals and persuading the audience.

For instance, if you're discussing the use of pathos in a marketing campaign, analyze the emotional appeal of the imagery or language used and consider how it resonates with the target audience.

Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion

In the conclusion, it's crucial to reinforce your main arguments and evaluate the author's effectiveness in achieving their goals, whether you're writing an MLA or APA essay format . Reflect on the overall impact of the text on both its immediate audience and society at large, underscoring the importance of your analysis.

Resist the temptation to introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Instead, draw upon the points you've already explored in the body of your essay to strengthen your analysis. Conclude with a poignant statement that resonates with your readers, encapsulating the essence of your interpretation and leaving a lasting impression. This final remark should tie together the threads of your analysis, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding of the text's rhetorical strategies and significance.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

In this section, you'll discover two essay samples that skillfully demonstrate the application of rhetorical analysis. These examples offer insightful insights into the effective use of rhetorical techniques in writing.

5 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Tips

Here are five focused tips that will help you lay a solid foundation for your examination.

Dissect Rhetorical Strategies : Break down the text to identify specific rhetorical devices such as metaphor, simile, or parallelism.
Evaluate Tone and Diction : Pay attention to the author's tone and word choice. Analyze how these elements contribute to the overall mood of the text.
Probe Ethos, Pathos, Logos : Explore how the author establishes credibility (ethos), evokes emotions (pathos), and employs logic (logos) to sway the audience.
Contextualize Historical Significance : Consider the historical, cultural, and social backdrop against which the text was written.
Craft a Structured Analysis : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on specific rhetorical elements, and a conclusion that synthesizes your findings.

Final Words

As we near the end, it's important to analyze carefully whether you're examining a speech, an advertisement, or a story. Pay attention to the smart tactics that influence our thinking. It's all about revealing how we communicate and relate to one another. Ultimately, understanding rhetoric offers a fresh perspective on the world beyond just academic success.

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What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

How to structure a rhetorical analysis essay, how to write a rhetorical analysis essay.

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples

How to choose the best rhetorical analysis topic.

Choosing the best topic for a rhetorical analysis essay is a crucial step that sets the stage for insightful and engaging writing. This process demands a thoughtful consideration of various factors to ensure that your essay not only demonstrates your analytical skills but also captivates your audience. Here's a more detailed guide to navigating this selection process, ensuring you pick a topic that is both meaningful and manageable.

Interest and Relevance

Begin by identifying topics that spark your interest or passion. Writing about something you find intriguing naturally leads to a more engaging and enthusiastic analysis. Furthermore, consider the relevance of the topic to current events or societal issues. Topics that touch on contemporary debates or ongoing cultural conversations tend to resonate more with readers and provide a richer ground for analysis.

Availability of Sources

Ensure there is enough material available to support your analysis. This could include speeches, texts, advertisements, or any media content that is rich in rhetorical strategies. A topic with ample sources allows for a deeper dive into various rhetorical techniques and their effectiveness.

Scope and Complexity

Choose a topic with a manageable scope. It should be neither too broad that it becomes overwhelming to cover in detail nor too narrow that it lacks sufficient content for analysis. The complexity of the topic should match your ability to dissect and understand the rhetorical strategies employed.

Impact on Society

Consider topics that have had a significant impact on society. Analyzing how rhetoric has influenced public opinion, shaped political discourse, or contributed to cultural shifts can provide insightful perspectives on the power of effective communication.

Originality

Strive for originality in your topic selection. While it's helpful to review examples of rhetorical essays or rhetorical analysis essay examples, choosing a unique angle or a less commonly analyzed text can make your essay stand out. This approach not only showcases your creativity but also your ability to apply analytical skills to new and diverse materials.

Audience Engagement

Think about your potential audience and select a topic that would engage them. Understanding your audience's interests and background can help tailor your analysis in a way that is both accessible and compelling.

🔥 30 Hot Rhetorical Analysis Essay Titles in 2024

The year 2024 is ripe with opportunities for rhetorical analysis, from political speeches addressing global challenges to influential social media campaigns reshaping public opinion. These topics not only reflect current trends but also offer a deep well of rhetorical techniques worth exploring.

Analyzing the Rhetoric of Climate Change in Political Speeches
The Power of Social Media Influencers: A Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetorical Strategies in "The Future We Choose" by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac
"Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King Jr.: A Rhetorical Examination
Dissecting the Appeals in Greta Thunberg's UN Speech
The Rhetoric of Hope in Barack Obama's "Yes We Can" Speech
Persuasion Techniques in Apple's Product Launches
"The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A Rhetorical Analysis
Rhetorical Devices in "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Analysis of Rhetorical Strategies in "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg
Elon Musk's Vision for the Future: A Rhetorical Review
Rhetorical Elements in the #MeToo Movement Speeches
"A Time for Choosing" by Ronald Reagan: Rhetorical Analysis
The Art of Persuasion in Winston Churchill's War Speeches
Analyzing the Appeal in Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Prize Lecture

👍 10 Good Titles for Rhetorical Analysis Essays

A good rhetorical analysis essay title promises an insightful exploration of persuasive communication techniques. These topics are selected for their significant cultural, political, or social impact, providing a rich basis for analysis.

"I Have a Dream" Rhetorical Analysis
Analyzing the Pathos in "The Diary of Anne Frank"
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama
A Rhetorical Examination of "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
The Power of Language in "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi
Rhetorical Strategies in "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
Dissecting the Appeals in "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
"The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan: A Rhetorical Critique
The Persuasive Language of "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin
Rhetorical Devices in "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

🎯 10 Easy Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

For those new to rhetorical analysis or looking for more straightforward subjects, these topics offer a gentler introduction. They focus on popular media and public campaigns, where rhetorical strategies are both prominent and accessible to beginners.

Rhetorical Techniques in Super Bowl Commercials
Analyzing Rhetoric in Viral TED Talks
The Persuasive Power of Instagram Campaigns
Rhetoric in the "Share a Coke" Campaign
Speech Analysis: Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address
Rhetorical Strategies in Movie Trailers
The Art of Persuasion in Children's Advertising
Rhetorical Elements in Presidential Inauguration Speeches
The Use of Pathos in Animal Rights Campaigns
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos in Health Awareness PSAs

🏫 Popular Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for College

College students can deepen their analytical skills by exploring these popular rhetorical analysis topics. They span a range of interests, from literature and advertising to social movements and media, reflecting the diverse ways rhetoric shapes our world.

The Rhetoric of American Dream in Modern Literature
Gender Roles and Rhetoric in 21st-Century Advertising
The Evolution of Rhetorical Strategies in Social Movements
Rhetorical Analysis of News Media's Coverage on Climate Change
The Use of Rhetoric in Legalizing Marijuana Debates
Ethical Persuasion Techniques in Non-Profit Organizations
The Influence of Rhetoric in Fashion Industry Marketing
Analyzing Rhetorical Appeals in Documentary Films
The Role of Rhetoric in Video Game Narratives
The Power of Rhetorical Questions in Political Discourse

💡 Insightful Speech Ideas for Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Speeches have long been a goldmine for rhetorical analysis, offering a direct insight into the speaker's persuasive techniques. These topics cover a range of speeches, from historical milestones to contemporary talks, each providing a unique perspective on effective rhetoric.

The Rhetorical Impact of "The Gettysburg Address"
Rhetorical Devices in "The Declaration of Independence"
Analyzing the Persuasive Techniques in Emma Watson's UN Speech for HeForShe
The Use of Rhetoric in Historic Farewell Addresses
Rhetorical Strategies in Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speeches
The Art of Rhetoric in Valedictorian Speeches
"Abigail Adams' Letter to John Quincy Adams
The Role of Ethos in Human Rights Advocacy Speeches
Pathos and Logos in Environmental Activist Speeches
Rhetorical Techniques in Award Acceptance Speeches

Each section offers a curated list of topics designed to spark interest and inspire deep analytical thought. Whether you're drawn to contemporary issues or historical speeches, these topics serve as a starting point for a compelling rhetorical analysis essay.

Crafting a rhetorical analysis essay involves dissecting how a writer or speaker uses words to influence an audience, focusing on the effectiveness and techniques rather than the content itself. This guide delves into the art of writing a compelling rhetorical essay, incorporating examples of rhetorical essays to illustrate key points.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

A rhetorical analysis essay dives deep into the artistry behind an author’s method of communication, scrutinizing the deliberate choice of words, structure, and overall rhetorical techniques used to sway or enlighten the audience. Unlike typical essays that might argue for or against the author’s position, a rhetorical essay takes a step back, focusing purely on the craftsmanship of the argument itself. How does the author appeal to the audience? What strategies are employed to make their message resonate more deeply or convincingly? This analytical approach is invaluable in academic environments, pushing students to not only observe and report but to critically evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies. Doing so, sharpens critical thinking and analytical skills, equipping students with the ability to dissect complex arguments and understand the underlying mechanics of persuasive writing.

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis

Writing a successful rhetorical analysis essay begins with thoroughly reading and understanding the text in question. Identify the author’s purpose, target audience, and the strategies used to achieve their goals. Highlighting direct quotes and examples of rhetorical essays can serve as a solid foundation for your analysis. This process allows you to dissect the text meticulously, revealing the nuances of the author’s strategies. Here’s a breakdown of the main points to consider when crafting your essay:

Thorough Reading : Start with a comprehensive reading of the text. Pay close attention to its overall structure, the tone of the writing, and the main themes presented. This initial step is crucial for gaining a deep understanding of the material you will analyze.
Identify the Purpose : Every text is written with a specific purpose in mind. Determine what the author intends to achieve. Are they trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or provoke thought? Understanding the purpose is key to analyzing the rhetorical strategies employed.
Understand the Audience : Who is the target audience of the text? Identifying the audience is essential because the rhetorical techniques used by the author are often tailored to the values, beliefs, or interests of this group. Knowing the audience helps in evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies.
Analyze the Strategies : Break down the specific strategies the author uses to reach their audience and fulfill their purpose. Look for examples of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical argument) within the text. Each of these appeals plays a crucial role in persuasion and should be carefully examined.
Use Direct Quotes : Incorporate direct quotes from the text to support your analysis. These quotes serve as concrete evidence of the rhetorical strategies you identify. They also help to substantiate your claims about how the author’s choices impact the overall effectiveness of the text.

Following these points ensures a structured and comprehensive approach to writing a rhetorical analysis essay, enabling you to deliver a critique that is both insightful and substantiated.

As you craft your rhetorical analysis essay, incorporating cause-and-effect essay topics that challenge your analytical skills can significantly enhance your argumentation and understanding of the rhetorical strategies employed in your primary texts, leading to a more comprehensive and insightful analysis.

How to Structure a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Structuring a rhetorical analysis essay follows a conventional essay format but with a focus on analysis rather than exposition. It typically includes an introduction that presents the text being analyzed, a thesis statement that outlines the main argument or findings, body paragraphs that dissect various rhetorical strategies, and a conclusion that summarizes the analysis and discusses the impact or importance of the rhetorical strategies used.

Infographic Effective Paragraph Structure for Rhetorical Essay

Major Rhetorical Elements

Understanding and identifying rhetorical elements are crucial. These include the rhetorical situation (author, audience, purpose), use of rhetorical appeals, and stylistic choices (language, tone, structure). A rhetorical analysis essay sample can show how these elements interact within a text.

Rhetorical appeals are strategies authors use to persuade their audience, including ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos refers to the credibility or ethical appeal the writer establishes, convincing the audience of their reliability or authority on the subject matter.
Pathos appeals to the audience’s emotions, seeking to evoke feelings that support the author’s argument.
Logos involves logical reasoning, where the author uses facts, statistics, or logical arguments to appeal to the audience’s rationality.

Text and Context

Delving into the context surrounding a text enriches your rhetorical analysis, shedding light on the nuances that might affect its interpretation and impact. Historical conditions at the time of writing can reveal why certain rhetorical strategies were employed or why the text resonated with its audience in a particular way.

Social norms and values inform the ethos and pathos appeals, as what is considered credible or emotionally stirring can vary widely across different societies and eras. P

Political climate plays a crucial role too; a text might be responding to, challenging, or supporting prevailing political ideologies or policies. Understanding these layers of context allows you to not only analyze the text on a surface level but also to appreciate the depth and complexity of its rhetorical strategies.

This comprehensive approach adds a rich dimension to your analysis, offering a more nuanced view of the text’s persuasive power and its place within a broader historical, social, a

Claims, Supports, and Warrants

Identify the author’s main claims, the evidence or support provided, and the warrants, which are the underlying assumptions that connect the support to the claims.

Identifying the author’s main claims, the evidence or support provided, and the warrants—those underlying assumptions linking the evidence to the claims—is critical. These elements form the backbone of the argument, showcasing how the author constructs a logical, persuasive case. Unpacking these components reveals the argument’s strength and its persuasive appeal, offering insights into the author’s rhetorical skill and the argument’s potential impact on the audience.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

An outline organizes your thoughts and ensures your essay is coherent and focused.

Analyzing the Text. Begin with an in-depth examination of the text, noting the rhetorical strategies used.
Rhetorical Analysis Introduction. Introduce the text and provide background information. State your thesis, summarizing your main analytical points.
Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraph. Each body paragraph should focus on a single rhetorical strategy, providing examples and explaining its effectiveness.
Rhetorical Analysis Conclusion. Conclude by summarizing your analysis and reflecting on the significance of the rhetorical strategies used, possibly considering their broader implications.

Including a rhetorical analysis essay sample can significantly enhance understanding by demonstrating how to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context. For instance, analyzing a well-known speech, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream,” could serve as an excellent example of rhetorical analysis. In this case, the essay might explore how King uses ethos to establish his credibility as a leader in the civil rights movement, pathos to evoke a deep emotional response from his audience, and logos to present logical arguments for racial equality and justice.

Another topic that could serve as a rhetorical analysis essay example is an analysis of a key advertising campaign by a famous brand, such as Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign. This example would illustrate how the company uses various rhetorical strategies to appeal to its target audience, motivate them, and ultimately persuade them to purchase their products.

A third example could be a detailed examination of an influential op-ed piece from a major newspaper, analyzing how the author constructs their argument to persuade readers on a controversial issue. This rhetorical essay example would delve into the use of evidence, the appeal to the readers’ values and beliefs, and the structure of the argument to maximize its persuasive impact.

By exploring these topics, readers can gain a clearer understanding of how to identify and analyze the rhetorical strategies used in different types of texts. These examples of rhetorical essays highlight the importance of context, audience, and purpose in shaping effective communication, providing valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their analytical and persuasive writing skills.

5 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Tips

Always keep the rhetorical situation in mind. This means considering the relationship between the speaker, the audience, and the message to fully understand the effectiveness of the rhetorical strategies used.
Use direct quotes as evidence. Incorporating quotes directly from the text not only provides solid backing for your analysis but also demonstrates a precise understanding of the source material.
Avoid summarizing the text; focus on analysis. While a summary can provide context, the primary goal is to delve into how the text works rhetorically, examining the strategies and their impact rather than recounting the content.
Be clear and concise in your argumentation. Clarity and brevity ensure that your analysis is accessible and straightforward, making your arguments stronger and more persuasive to the reader.
Proofread for clarity and coherence. A thorough review of your essay can help eliminate errors and ensure that your analysis flows logically from one point to the next, enhancing the overall quality of your work.

While delving into the intricacies of rhetorical analysis essays, embedding exploratory essays that break down complex issues within your study can provide a multifaceted approach to your analysis, offering a deeper understanding of the text’s persuasive techniques and the broader implications of its arguments.

Final Words

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing a rhetorical analysis essay not only sharpens your critical thinking and analytical skills but also enhances your ability to engage deeply with various forms of communication. The use of examples of rhetorical essays plays a pivotal role in this learning process, serving as illuminating guides that showcase the application of theoretical concepts in real-world texts. By examining rhetorical essay examples, you gain valuable insights into effective analytical techniques, understanding not just the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind rhetorical strategies.

We strongly encourage you to explore rhetorical analysis essay examples on our website. These resources can significantly aid in developing your analytical prowess, offering a diverse range of texts and contexts to study and learn from. These samples provide practical insights and inspiration for your writing.

Remember, every rhetorical analysis essay sample is an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of rhetorical communication, enhancing your appreciation for the subtleties of argumentation and persuasion. As you explore these examples on our website, you’re not just preparing to write your next essay; you’re building a foundation for more effective communication and critical engagement with the world around you. So, take this chance to enrich your understanding and skills in rhetorical analysis by reviewing the wealth of examples we have made available for you.

The Rhetorical Mastery of Martin Luther King Jr.

Introduction Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential figures in American history, is celebrated not only for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement but also for his extraordinary rhetorical skills. His speeches, particularly the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, are masterclasses…

The Rhetoric of Forensic Science: An Analytical Perspective

Introduction Forensic science has become a cornerstone of modern criminal investigations, permeating both real-world law enforcement and popular media. The field’s reliance on scientific principles to uncover truths in criminal cases has not only advanced the criminal justice system but also captivated the public imagination….

Rhetorical Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I’s Speech to the Troops at Tilbury

Introduction Queen Elizabeth I’s speech to the troops at Tilbury in 1588 stands as one of the most iconic moments in English history. Delivered amidst the threat of the Spanish Armada, the speech is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its…

Rhetorical Analysis of Judy Brady’s “I Want a Wife”

Introduction Judy Brady’s essay “I Want a Wife” first appeared in Ms. Magazine in 1971 and has since been regarded as an iconic piece of feminist literature. The essay is a satirical critique of the traditional roles and expectations of wives in a patriarchal society….

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Rhetorical Analysis of JFK’s Inaugural Speech

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address is one of the most memorable speeches in American history. Delivered on January 20, 1961, it is renowned for its powerful rhetoric and its call to action for the American people and the world at large. This essay aims to…

Rhetorical Analysis of A Literature Place

Introduction In literature, places are not merely settings but are imbued with symbolic meanings that enhance the narrative and deepen the reader’s understanding of the themes. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a quintessential example of this literary technique. Among the various settings in…

Rhetorical Analysis No Longer A Dream

Introduction Rhetorical analysis, once perceived as an esoteric endeavor reserved for literary scholars and orators, has evolved into an indispensable tool across disciplines. In today’s multifaceted world, the ability to dissect and understand the mechanisms of persuasion is no longer a dream but a necessity….

Persuasive Strategies in the Allstate “Mayhem” Ad Campaign

Advertising has always been an art form that combines creativity with persuasive techniques to influence consumer behavior. Among the plethora of advertising campaigns, Allstate’s “Mayhem” series stands out for its unique blend of humor, fear, and practicality. This essay seeks to conduct a rhetorical analysis…

A Rhetorical Analysis of The Best Speech

Introduction The art of public speaking has long been revered as one of the most influential tools for shaping opinions, inspiring action, and fostering societal change. Among the pantheon of great orations, one speech often stands out as exemplary in its rhetorical prowess. This essay…

A Rhetorical Analysis of Jim Carrey’s Speech

Introduction Jim Carrey, a name synonymous with comedy and film, delivered a profound and inspirational commencement speech at Maharishi University of Management in 2014. His address, filled with humor, wisdom, and personal anecdotes, transcended the typical celebrity speech, resonating deeply with the graduating class and…

What is a rhetorical essay?

Rhetorical essay writing is quite challenging since it is necessary to provide an explanation of how an author uses words to have an impact on the target audience. In most cases, rhetorical essay examples represent an already existing set of ideas where an author has provided a certain writing style. The topics of rhetorical writing will vary from the dangers of smoking to the role of teachers in the classroom.

How to write rhetorical essays?

Start your essay with an analysis of the content that you work with. Once a certain argumentation is studied, analyze how a certain verbal effect has been achieved. See our free rhetorical analysis essay as a reference to see how the ethos, logos, and pathos elements are analyzed by citing parts of the original text. Do not give an opinion regarding the content itself but focus on the rhetoric alone.

What’s the goal of a rhetorical analysis?

The goal of a rhetorical analysis is to examine how an author or speaker persuades their audience using various rhetorical strategies and techniques. It involves identifying the purpose, audience, context, and methods of communication to evaluate the effectiveness of the argument.

What are logos, ethos, and pathos?

Logos refers to logical appeal or reasoning, ethos to the speaker's credibility or trustworthiness, and pathos to emotional appeal. These are the three pillars of persuasion identified by Aristotle, used to persuade and influence an audience's beliefs or actions.

What are claims, supports, and warrants?

Claims are statements or assertions that the writer or speaker wants the audience to accept. Supports are the evidence or reasons provided to back up those claims. Warrants are the underlying assumptions or principles that connect the supports to the claims, often implicitly, making the argument coherent and persuasive.

What is the “rhetorical triangle”?

The rhetorical triangle is a model that outlines three essential components of persuasive communication: ethos (credibility or ethical appeal), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical appeal). These elements work together to influence an audience effectively.

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Top 210 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics [with Tips]
11 Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay on a Person. 12 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Philosophy. 13 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on History. 14 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Business. 15 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Government. 16 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Culture. 17 Conclusion.
200 Engaging Rhetorical Analysis Topics For Your Paper
Rhetorical Essay Topics to Choose From. In any rhetorical essay, what the writer does is highlight a problem, carry out extensive analysis on the listed problem to make a strong-base argument on the subject matter. A rhetorical essay isn't complete without sound backup evidence to the highlighted problem. Carrying out an essay writing of this ...
70 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
The Rhetorical Analysis Essay. Moving on, if rhetoric is the art of persuasion, then the rhetorical analysis essay analyzes how an author or speaker creates opportunity for persuasion in his/her text. Writing a rhetorical analysis essay involves understanding of context and occasion for writing. It also involves understanding the subject matter ...
122 Interesting Rhetorical Analysis Topics For Students
Olympics and World Cup- A detailed rhetorical analysis. National anthem in Olympic games- A rhetorical analysis. A rhetorical analysis of William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Primary themes in Alice in the Wanderland- A rhetorical analysis. These are good topics to write a rhetorical analysis on if you're in high school.
40 Unique Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
To help you choose the best topic, explore these 40 unique rhetorical analysis essay topics covering media, movies, speeches, and literature. ... Types of Writing; Essays; 40 Unique Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics By Jennifer Betts, B.A. , Staff Writer . Updated May 1, 2020 Image Credits.
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis | Key Concepts & ...
160 Rhetorical Essay Topics
160 Rhetorical Essay Topics. Using the writing guides above, students can craft a well-written rhetorical analysis essay on any of the following topics. Remember that the goal with these topics is to read, understand, and analyze the purposes, effects, and intentions of the given text, not to agree or disagree with the subject matter of the ...
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay-Examples & Template
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay-Examples & ...
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay
2. Introducing Your Essay Topic. Introduce your essay by providing some context about the text you're analyzing. Give a brief overview of the author, intended audience, and purpose of the writing. You should also clearly state your thesis, which is your main point or argument about how and why the author uses rhetorical strategies.
How to Write a Great Rhetorical Analysis Essay: With Examples
How to Write a Great Rhetorical Analysis Essay
227 Rhetoric Topic Ideas to Write about & Essay Samples
The Rhetorical Devices of George Orwell. This essay discusses the rhetoric devices George Orwell uses to convince the audience of the credibility of his arguments regarding the ambiguity of political language. Rhetorical Analysis of Patricia Ryan's Speech "Don't Insist on English".
100 Amazing Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
Fiction Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics. O'Henry's "Witches Loaves". Rhetorical Analysis of "Huckleberry Finn". Rhetorical Analysis of "Fight Club". Michael Punke's "The Revenant""The White Heron" Analysis. Rhetorical Analysis of "Death of A Salesman". "The Lottery" Main ThemesLiterary Analysis of "Life In The Iron Mills".
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Keeping these elements of the text in mind can help you produce an informed rhetorical analysis essay. For example, the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s' remains one of the most powerful and influential speeches. However, a person who doesn't know the civil rights movements' context will not understand ...
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With ...
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis: 6 Steps and an Outline for Your
5. State your thesis. Now that you've completed your analysis of the material, try to summarize it into one clear, concise thesis statement that will form the foundation of your essay. Your thesis statement should summarize: 1) the argument or purpose of the speaker; 2) the methods the speaker uses; and 3) the effectiveness of those methods ...
Top 80 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Students
This blog will help you in selecting a topic for a rhetorical essay. In a rhetorical analysis essay, the writer defines a problem, deeply analyzes it, makes a specific argument related to the topic, and supports it with strong evidence. It is a form of academic essay writing about a piece of literature, art, or a speech.
PDF How to Write a RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY Step 1: Full Comprehension of
Step 2: MAD TO WRITE! Follow this process to prepare for any timed rhetorical analysis essay. Some of this is redundant, but this portion has more to do with the actual process of writing an essay, whereas the previous questions are part of simply gaining full comprehension of the text. Main ideas - read to determine what points the speaker makes
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics: 20 Best Examples to Use
Remember that you are writing for an audience and that you expect a good grade out of it. Think about what kind of topics your instructor would like or at least not object to. If you will be presenting it in class, go for a topic that your classmates will enjoy. 5. Strong and Clear Arguments.
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay in 6 Steps
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay in 6 Steps. In a rhetorical analysis essay, a writer will examine the rhetoric and style of another author's work. If you want to write your own rhetorical analysis essay, we've developed a step-by-step guide to lead you through the process.
How To Write A Rhetorical Analysis Essay That Stands Out
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics. Writing an essay is easy, but finding a good topic to compose an essay on is the real deal. Similarly, writing a rhetorical analysis essay becomes very easy when a writer has a good topic in hand. Here we have summed up some very good rhetorical analysis essay topics.
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Step by Step
Learn how to write a rhetorical analysis essay and get an example of a rhetorical analysis essay outline. Dictionary Thesaurus ... take a look at definition essay examples and topic ideas. It's always a good idea to know more about essays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Random Word Learn a new word now!
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis: Full Guide
How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis: Full Guide
Free Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples. Best Topics, Titles
Rhetorical Analysis of Judy Brady's "I Want a Wife". Introduction Judy Brady's essay "I Want a Wife" first appeared in Ms. Magazine in 1971 and has since been regarded as an iconic piece of feminist literature. The essay is a satirical critique of the traditional roles and expectations of wives in a patriarchal society….

210 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

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Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Rhetorical Analysis Ideas For High School Students

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Education

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Rhetorical Analysis Topics List on Speeches

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Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay on a Person

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