read the editorial carefully and critically, taking time to make sure you understand the claims editorial is making and the evidence that backs up the
Assignment Content
Purpose of the Essay
For this essay, (1) find an argument on the editorial page or op-ed page in a recent Chicago news source or a related newpaper. (Tribune, Sun Times, New York Times, etc.) using the columnist, editorial or opinion section. The editorial you select should be timely, which means NOT OLDER THAN 30 DAYS.
(2) read the editorial carefully and critically, taking time to make sure you understand the claims editorial is making and the evidence that backs up the claim.
(3) analyze the editorial rhetorically, using principles discussed in Chapters 2 – 6. Consider who is making the argument and why and to what audience.
(4) explain how the editorial succeeds, fails, or does something else entirely.
Remember, a rhetorical analysis asks you to pull apart a text to look at different aspects of the argument. Once you determine the argument and evidence used to make the argument, you’ll put the information back together to make a judgment on the argument’s overall effectiveness. YOUR ESSAY WILL ONLY USE 2 SOURCES, THE ORGINIAL ARTICLE AND THE TEXTBOOK.
Strategies for Success
Your thesis must reflect that you are writing a rhetorical analysis about the article under a specific claim you’re indicating the article speaks. Why did the author write the article? What issue is the author trying to address? For example, a thesis might look like the following:
Brunswick conveys an effective argument using logos to support his claim that the American Dream is dead; however, the claims he makes are not new and have been made by others over the years thus diminishing the notion that his concerns are current and relevant.
Use the organizational suggestions identified in the “GUIDE TO WRITING A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS” listed in Chapter 6.
Be sure that the analysis includes a summary of the original essay and basic publication information about it (its author, place of publication, and publisher).
Your response should Indicate content that is effective and ineffective and why.
Define all your analysis terms (as used in the textbook) and cite your sources. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU’LL NEED TO DISCUSS THE EFFECTIVNESS OF THE ARTICLE USING THE ACADEMIC TERMS OF THE APPEALS OF ETHOS, PATHOS, LOGOS. As your book states, DON’T USE THE APPEALS AS A LAUNDRY LIST IN YOUR THESIS OR IN THE BODY PARAGRAPHS OF YOUR ESSAY.
Be sure to review the rubric for specific assignment expectations.
Format Guidelines
Essay word count is 750 – 1000 words (not including cited material).
At least 6 paragraphs.
Use traditional MLA essay structure (use the MLA essay template in Microsoft Word). Use the default settings on your word processing program (“normal” margins,12-point font, Calibri or Times New Roman). Double-space your essay and include page numbers.
Cite all your resources from the readings.
Submitted the essay as a .doc or .docx file.
Save/name your assignment as LastName#2.
Rubric: Intro provides context for the rest of the paper — Thesis is explicit, specific, clear and analytical in nature and indicates the author is writing a rhetorical analysis — Conclusion recasts thesis and provides cohesion to whole paper. Source text is thoroughly and effectively contextualized with well-supported analysis of structure, rhetorical triangle (audience, author, purpose), and rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) — Focus is on analysis (not summary or author’s own ideas of the issue). Smooth flow of ideas ordered in a logical sequence that effectively guides the reader — Each paragraph has a well supported clearly-stated main point — Topic sentences focus on analysis — Effective use of transitions. Clear discernment of distinctive audience — tone and point-of-view appropriate to the assignment.85 – 100%. Contains no errors in grammar, spelling, or mechanics. — Format is extremely polished and professional. — Title is creative, sparks interest and is related to the topic. — Citations follow MLA format. — Exceeds minimum word count (not including works cited).
Reference:
https://chicago.suntimes.com/editorials/2024/09/10/mayor-johnson-1b-budget-deficit-hiring-freeze-city-services-police-firefighters-shortage-editorial