the authors rely on rhetorical strategies to persuade their readers to consider their claims. Using both readings, and determine which author uses rhetorical strategies more effectively and why. In a 900-1500 word essay, compare and contrast the two works. Identify specific rhetorical devices in each text, and analyze how effectively the writers use these rhetorical devices to support their overall argument and influence their readers. Your thesis statement should be your claim about which of the two arguments is more convincing (which author uses rhetorical strategies more effectively and why). While you may address the writer’s purpose, audience, and message, be sure to focus specifically on the rhetorical strategies in each.
Consider your options for organization (develop each paragraph fully by including support and your commentary):
– Focus each body paragraph on a rhetorical strategy that appears in both texts. Argue that the strategy works more effectively in the more persuasive text and analyze how.
– Recognize a strength in the weaker text but focus on and emphasize a strength in the one you claim is the more persuasive text (this is a way to include counter arguments—this other text is good/persuasive, but the one you’ve chosen is better/more persuasive).
– Focus on a thematic link shared by both and argue that the author’s use of rhetorical devices make the text you’ve chosen more persuasive and convincing.
Required:
Include a clear thesis statement—one that conveys your interpretive claim about the subject
Include analysis of at least two of the optional works
Integrate quotations from the texts, in MLA format, into your essay
Be sure to avoid the following common pitfalls:
– Avoid summarizing the texts (assume your reader is familiar with the texts). There is no need to re-tell, no need to summarize the texts. Instead, comment on the texts. Focus on providing your thinking, your analysis of how the writer uses rhetorical devices to persuade you.
– Avoid just listing the rhetorical devices you see in each. Instead, be sure to connect each one you identify to your thesis and analyze how it is working.
– Avoid making the subject of the texts your main focus. Instead, your main focus should be how the writer’s use of rhetorical strategies works to persuade you.