California State University Steps Toward Rhetorical Analysis Discussion

Step-by Step:

Think of writing your analysis in three chunks, connected together in the same paragraph.

1. First, explain what was most striking to you in the text and provide specific examples from the text to show what you mean. For instance…

• Which rhetorical appeal (pathos, logos, ethos) was most accentuated?
• What supporting details were most convincing?
• What about the author’s use of evidence, pattern of organization or tone was helpful to you?
• What stands out about the text’s Currency? Relevance? Accuracy? Authority? Purpose? (CRAAP)

2. Second, explain what was most problematic or troubling in the text, what you could “pick on” or question, and provide specific examples from the text to show what you mean. For instance:

• Was the author overly biased?
• Was the author’s evidence irrelevant or inadequate?
• Did the author rely too heavily on propaganda techniques?
• Did you find any logical fallacies?
• Did you find any problematic unstated assumptions?
• Did the author ignore parts of the issue that didn’t fit with their main idea?
• Were there any problematic issues with the text’s Currency? Relevance? Accuracy? Authority? Purpose? (CRAAP)

3. Third, explain how the text contributes (or does not contribute) to the conversation about the topic of argumentative reading and provide specific examples from the text to show what you mean. For instance:

• What is unique about this author’s perspective on the topic?
• How does this text compare and/or contrast with the other articles?
• How would this text speak to its intended audience?

• Write 8-10+ sentences.
• Remember to use specific examples from the text to illustrate the points you are making about the text.
• Quote the text rarely and only when the way the author said something is important. If it is just about what the author has said, paraphrase it in your own words.