1. Analysis Essays
- Rhetorical purpose: to convince the reader to think, do, or believe X; also personal, expository, and argumentative
- Rhetorical modes: narration, description, cause and effect, process analysis, comparison, example, classification, argument (though all communication is argument)
- Rhetorical strategies – these are the broad categories--remember to get specific: Ethos – establish credibility of speaker; Pathos – address needs of the audience; Logos – use one or more rhetorical modes to address purpose
- Style/Rhetoric/Language: Diction, Detail, Syntax, Imagery, and Tone
- Advice: Stick to an analysis of the essay. Don't wander off into your personal experiences.
- Avoid the words "paints a picture in the reader's mind." Too many students use it, and it doesn't say anything. Identify and explain the effect or tone the author is creating. Notice I said, “and explain” - identifying isn't enough.
- Don't define terms. The readers are experienced AP teachers and English professors. We don't need to be told a simile is a comparison using like or as.
- Show, don't tell:
Telling
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Showing
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PHRASES BANK TO DESCRIBE THE RHETORICAL PURPOSES/FUNCTIONS:
- Anticipates objections raised by the ideas presented in X
- Expresses a causal relationship between X and Y
- Introduce a series of generalizations
- Makes an appeal to authority
- Presents a thesis that will be challenged in paragraph B
- Presents a misconception that the author will correct
- Provides evidence to contrast with that in X
- Provides support for a thesis
- Provides a specific example for the preceding generalization
- Restates the thesis
STRUCTURE/DEVELOPMENT
- An exaggeration followed by qualifying statements
- Chronological examination of a topic
- Claim followed by supporting details
- Explanation of an issue leading to an examination of the same issue
- Generalization followed by other generalizations
- Historical example followed by contemporary examples
- Movement from particular to general
- Presentation of two conflicting ideas followed by a resolution
TONE
Acerbic and Cynical
Lyrical nostalgia Harsh and strident Uncertain Cautious ambivalence Feigned innocence Informal and Analytical Disbelieving Contemplative and Conciliatory Exasperated |
Poignant remorse
Irate but carefully Judicious Relieved Enthusiastic and Optimistic Reverent and Respectful Serious but faintly condescending Objective Self-deprecating humor Scornful and Unsympathetic Superficial and Capricious |
MOOD
Awe
Profound admiration Feigned intimacy Reasoned objectivity Reasoned objectivity |
Disapproval
Qualified enthusiasm Idolatrous devotion Suspicion Indifference |