While a literary analysis argues for how one might interpret a piece of fiction or poetry based on its

While a literary analysis argues for how one might interpret a piece of fiction or poetry based on its literary devices and techniques, a rhetorical analysis examines a piece of non-fiction for the rhetorical strategies it uses. Students should carefully consider the rhetorical situation and rhetorical proofs present in the text, and then focus on one rhetorical element that they want to analyze. Again, the key here is to *focus* on only one rhetorical element and analyze how effectively or strategically the author uses it. Here is an excellent resource for writing a rhetorical analysis: https://pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/csu-fyw-rhetoric/chapter/what-is-rhetorical-analysis/
Content
• Clearly identifies one rhetorical term for critical analysis
• Clearly states an argument (thesis) about the rhetorical element(s), such as how the author worked within their historical context; how their rhetorical choices impact their audience or their message; how they drew upon ethos (authority and credibility) and to what effect; etc.

Organization
• Contains a clear organizational structure of introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Provides logical transitions between paragraphs
• Provides topic sentences for each paragraph that supports the essay’s argument

Evidence
• Provides quotes or paraphrases from the text
• Cites each example with a correct MLA in-text citation
• Provides a correctly-formatted Works Cited

Mechanics
• Follows standard MLA formatting for page layout (see example here)
• Clear and coherent grammar, punctuation, and use of language
• Essay is 3-4 full pages in length

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