Writing Project #1: Rhetorical Analysis of a New York Times Opinion Piece (100pts) ENG 108 / Spring 2017

Rough Draft Due February 13 (Peer review) Final Draft Due February 20
Directions:

Write a rhetorical analysis essay (minimum 750 words). Choose one New York Times Opinion Piece

(confirmed with instructor) and use your knowledge of the rhetorical concepts (ethos, pathos, logos). Address each of the appeals and support your analysis with evidence from the text of the opinion piece. What strategies is the writer using to deliver a message?

Requirements:

o IMPORTANT! Practice the academic, formal voice!

o 3RD PERSON POINT OF VIEW ONLY!! (Do not use: I / my / me / you / your… Instead

use: The reader is invited to …. The article conveys a message of …. The author focuses on …. The author points out that ….) Keep your feelings out of the analysis! Pay only attention to how and how well the argument works and why!

o Introduction that summarizes the context (political, social, cultural, historical), the place where the article is published (New York Times), and background information about the author.
o Thesis statement that contains the main idea of your analysis appears at the end of your

introduction.

o Address Ethos: Is the source of the information credible? Why?

o Address Pathos: How does the article appeal to the reader’s emotions?

o Address Logos: How does the article appeal to the reader’s intellect? Is there logic based on facts? Are there enough facts that support the argument?
o Supportive details from the text

o Conclusion that summarizes the main points of the analysis o Minimum of 750 words

o Basic editing skills (spelling, punctuation, complete sentences, correct use of tense)

o Transition words between sentences & Transitions between paragraphs

o MLA document style and Works Cited page

o Attachment of the article