Nova A.
Nova A.

Learn How to Write a Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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Published on: Apr 19, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 30, 2023

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A rhetorical analysis essay is a type of essay that focuses on the techniques writers and speakers use to influence their audience. Instead of thinking about the words an author has used, think about what their goals are and how the audience is affected.

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay is tricky, especially if you have no idea what you’re doing. Sometimes, it can feel like hours of sitting in front of your computer screen, wondering where to start.

However, with the help of our experts, you will learn how to write a perfect rhetorical analysis essay. So, continue reading this blog and get an idea of a well-written essay.

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Definition

As per rhetorical analysis essay definition, it is a writing piece where the writer looks at the topic in more detail to prove his point. The writer will typically use effective and persuasive methods to discuss how they feel about the subject matter. Also, discuss additional reasoning and provide examples for support if needed.

The main purpose of the rhetorical analysis essay is to:

  • Make an argument about how an author conveys their message to a particular audience.
  • Influence different characteristics of the audience by using different methods.

This type of essay requires us to provide the audience with information to make an informed decision. Otherwise, walk away from their stance on one subject and take up another opinion.

Moreover, a good rhetorical analysis essay should be:

  • Concise
  • Clear
  • Grammatically correct
  • Coherent

Also, when you start writing the essay, you should keep the following questions in your mind.

  • Who is the writer/author?
  • How does the main message sound?
  • What is the main goal of the analyzed piece of text?

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How to Start a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Starting an essay becomes difficult for some students, especially if they don’t know where to start. So here are some steps that you should follow before you start writing the essay.

  1. Identify the SOAPSTone

    SOAPS is one of the rhetorical analysis essay writing techniques that help you organize the essay. Drafting an outline and using SOAPS make it easier not to miss any important points in your essay.

    The SOAPS tone includes:

    • Speaker: The speaker indicates the first and last name of the writer. If they have any credentials, you briefly describe them.
    • Occasion: It describes the type of text and the context.
    • Audience: The people reading your essay are the audience, and it is important to understand them to succeed.
    • Purpose: The reader must know what message you are trying to convey and how it will benefit them. However, more importantly, they need to understand why you chose this specific topic for research.
    • Subject: The subject is a topic that the writer discusses in this text.
  2. Examine the Rhetorical Appeals

    In this step, determine the rhetorical strategy, which includes ethos, pathos, and logos. Famous philosopher Aristotle establishes these three appeals, and they are also known as a rhetorical triangle. Also, these three strategies are used to persuade the audience.

    Let’s discuss them in detail:

    • Ethos: This technique might involve an author presenting themselves as an authority on their subject.
    • Pathos: The audience’s emotions are at your fingertips. There is no greater weapon than one that manipulates the mind, and you control it with just a few well-chosen words or images.
    • Logos: When evaluating an appeal to logos, you must consider how logical the argument is and what evidence supports it.

    However, it is important to identify the author's strategy and how successful he persuaded his audience.

  3. Choose a Topic

    To write an excellent essay; you need to choose a good topic. Make sure you have some information about it and that it is of interest to both you and your audience.

  4. Create a Thesis Statement
  5. The rhetorical analysis essay thesis statement is the sentence that sums up the central point of the essay. It conveys to the reader what the essay is all about and the basis of your essay.
  6. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline

    A good outline is a key to a successful writing project. After choosing the topic and creating the thesis statement, start writing the outline. In the outline, mention all the main points and follow the proper structure.

    Without a proper essay outline, you will forget many important points, and the writing phase becomes difficult.

Here is an example of a rhetorical analysis essay outline for your ease.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline Example

How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

After creating the outline, start writing the essay. However, when you start writing the essay, you should follow some below-mentioned steps.

  1. Write the Rhetorical Analysis Essay Introduction

    It is the first section of the essay in which the writer introduces the topic. Start with an attention-grabbing hook statement and then provide some background information about the topic.

    It's important to know the right way of writing a hook statement. There are many hook examples that can help you get started, so check them and then choose the appropriate one.

    The thesis statement is written at the end of the essay introduction, in which you cover the main purpose of the essay.

  2. Write the Body Paragraphs

    The essay’s body paragraphs explain the author’s methods to inform, persuade, and entertain the reader. Provide plenty of evidence and support your point of view.

    Also, mention relevant data and facts that make your argument strong. In addition, present all the points in chronological order.

  3. Write the Rhetorical Analysis Essay Conclusion

    End the essay with a good conclusion that leaves the reader to think about something. Start the conclusion by restating the thesis statement in different words, summarizing the main points, and closing it with a good final line.

  4. Proofread and Edit

    In order to avoid any mistakes from being made during editing, it is important that you go back and edit your written content before submitting it. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling as well as usage of vocabulary. Also, check the essay format and make sure you follow it properly.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

When you first start writing an essay, it can be hard to find good examples. Therefore, for your help, we gathered some professionally written examples that give you a better idea of the rhetorical analysis essay.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Sample 

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Rhetoric is a powerful tool for persuasion, but it can be difficult to know which essays will yield the most successful outcomes. This list should help you find some good topics that are both engaging and informative.

Here is a list of rhetorical analysis essay topics that makes your topic-selection phase easy.

  • The Central Idea in “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen.
  • Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
  • The function of street language in Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes.
  • Analysis of the farewell address of a famous president.
  • Red’s Parole Hearing from Shawshank Redemption.
  • M&M: Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands.
  • What is the importance of Essays by Montaigne for world literature?
  • Is the friendship between man and dog real?
  • How can you determine the rhetorical richness of a book?
  • The similarities and differences between two Ovidian tales.

Now that you get rhetorical analysis essay tips, written examples, and a complete writing guide. However, if you are still confused about the writing process and need professional guidance, consult WriteMyEssay.help .

All your ‘do my essay paper’ requests are processed fast by our expert writers. They have years of experience in writing quality essays.

So, contact us now and get high-quality essays on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a rhetorical analysis essay include?

For writing an effective rhetorical analysis essay, you should include: 

  • Main goal or purpose of the essay. 
  • Evidence and techniques that you used. 
  • Rhetorical appeals. 

How long is a rhetorical analysis essay?

The length of the rhetorical analysis essay depends on the topic and your professor’s requirements. Typically, a rhetorical essay should contain an introduction, main body, and a conclusion.

What are the three rhetorical strategies?

Aristotle, the famous Greek philosopher (384-322 BC), defines three main rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos.

What is a good rhetorical analysis essay thesis statement?

Thesis statements of a rhetorical analysis essay are often written in three parts: topic, argument, and reason. The topic or claim to be analyzed is the first part of a thesis statement, followed by one supporting idea for the claim, which is called an argument.

What is the best hook for a rhetorical analysis essay?

The hook for a rhetorical analysis essay should be an interesting question, quote, or anything that grabs the reader’s attention.

Nova A.

WRITTEN BY

Nova A., Literature, Marketing

Nova Allison has eight years of experience writing both technical and scientific content. As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova focuses on developing online content plans that engage audiences. She strives to write pieces that are not only informative but also captivating.

Nova Allison has eight years of experience writing both technical and scientific content. As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova focuses on developing online content plans that engage audiences. She strives to write pieces that are not only informative but also captivating.

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