Rhetorical Analysis
When identifying an author’s purpose, what are the two questions that we need to answer?
What does the writer/speaker want the audience to understand? What does the writer/speaker want the audience to do?
Who won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2026
Michael B. Jordan
What does line of reasoning mean?
It's the logical sequence of claims, evidence, and commentary that links a thesis to all other parts of an essay—body paragraphs, conclusion, etc.
awkward social interactions, embarrassing moments, or poorly executed jokes.
Define the pop-culture reference: "cringe"
Where does the evidence for the argument essay come from?
Your own experience, historical/political events, science/technology, entertainment, current events
List at least five rhetorical verbs that you can use when identifying rhetorical choices.
Defines, Clarifies, Identifies, Establishes, Explains, Compares, Contrasts, Juxtaposes, Depicts the relationship between __ and ___, Demonstrates the impacts of...Narrates, Recounts, Chronicles, Describes Depicts, Illustrates, Details
Which popular social media platform known for selfies was originally called Picaboo?
Snapchat
What is a starter that you can use for your first topic sentence?
"Despite these/this..."; "While it's true that..."
Used to describe inside jokes.
Define the pop-culture reference: "IYKYK"
The thesis statement for your argument essay states...
A clear, defensible position and establishes a line of reasoning.
We practiced two part thesis statements for rhetorical analysis. What was the recommended structure for the first sentence?
In the (Genre) (Title), (Author’s Name), (Contextual Information about author), (what the audience should understand), (what the audience should do).
Which tech entrepreneur named his son X Æ A-12?
Elon Musk
Correct this embedded evidence: To be able to achive this, schools will teach "early literacy and math content to young learners" in ways that make it "engaging, fun" as well being able to "get a head start"(Soucre B).
To be able to achieve this, schools will teach "early literacy and math content to young learners" in ways that make it "engaging, fun," as well providing "a head start" (Source B).
Short for “lying,” “a lie,” or “to deceive.”
Define the pop-culture reference: "cap"
What is ONE thing your commentary should explain for your argument essay?
What is the broader significance of the example and the future impacts? (Cause and Effect!)
We practiced two part thesis statements for rhetorical analysis. What was the recommended structure for the second sentence?
In order to achieve/convince the audience of this purpose, (Author’s name) (Rhetorical Choice 1), (Rhetorical Choice 2), and (Rhetorical Choice 3).
Which artist won the most Grammys in 2025
Kendrick Lamar
What are two different starters you can use to begin the commentary?
Ultimately, the advantages of ____ surpasses any…..
Despite concerns about _____, it is evident that ____ outweighs____
While initially, there might be _______, in the long run,
Since/if ____________, then they will..
Without the __________, it would be impossible to…
By ________, this will allow for…
Ultimately, this leads to ……
Saying something is mediocre or not that good.
Define the pop-culture reference: "mid"
The argument is essentially synthesis without sources. However, what is another key difference between the two?
Counterclaim Paragraph!
Which author very effectively used the MOD of description in the opening chapters of their book about fast food?
Eric Schlosser
Who has the most followers on Twitter/X?
Barack Obama
What should your commentary be doing in the Synthesis essay?
Explain how the sources interact, and the broader implications.
It’s basically a way to “drop the mic” after saying something important. Example: "You were awesome out there, -----."
Define the pop-culture reference: "Periodt"
How many body paragraphs do you need for the argument essay?
At least two, but three + conclusion if you have extra time!