Rhetorical Analysis

Writing and Submission Requirements

Due: Monday, 9.15 @ 9:35am
Length: 900 word minimum

Format: Academic-specific citation style. 12-pt Times New Roman font, double spaced, 1" margins, name and date, paginated

Submission: Turn in via TurnItIn and turn in as a hard copy at the beginning of class. Include all drafts, brainstorming, and peer reviews in a labeled folder. Working drafts should be in the left pocket with the final draft in the right pocket.
Point Value: 50 

Assignment Prompt and Context

In this paper, students will analyze how a particular essay related to music culture tries to persuade its readers through the use of argumentative claims and evidence. Choose an essay/article available on the bibliography page of this blog. You may also locate a text outside of this list, but you must approve the text with the instructor.

Understanding how arguments realistically function is essential for creating your own original, effective argument. This assignment will help you to develop an awareness of the structure and function of academic argument. An argument analysis furthermore provides the opportunity to employ principles learned in class (i.e. establishing a thesis, using credible evidence to support every claim, considering the relationship between language/context/purpose). 


In your analysis, you will want to address the following in relation to your chosen essay/article.

• Identify the author's thesis/main argument or interpretation of the text 
• Describe the types of evidence used by the author to defend the thesis
• Assess whether the evidence is logical and/or effective
• Identify the assumptions made in the essay and assess whether readers are likely to agree with those assumptions

Additionally, your analysis will present a thesis and offer convincing evidence in support of every claim made in your argument.

Grading Criteria

Please see the rubric.