Using the techniques we’ve discussed and practiced in class, as well as the in-class handouts,
write a 4-5pg Rhetorical Analysis essay on Donald Kagan’s article “On Patriotism” pg. 697
Your essay must include the following:
1) A thesis statement illustrating your main observation of whether or not he was successful in
proving her claim and how/why (not)
2) Brief and neutral summary in intro paragraph as your “background” info that explains
Kagan’s main points of the article (3-5 sentences MAX).
3) Evidence (quotes / paraphrases) from the article to support your thesis
4) Reasoning / analysis: this will be your explanation of the quotes you choose and why they
prove your thesis; though, this is NOT to be your opinion / thoughts on the SUBJECT
5) And finally, though your main focus should be on how Kagan proves his claim throughout
the article, I would like to see one paragraph discussing audience, purpose and situation as
well.
ESSAY PARAMETERS:
You must use at least FIVE quotes from the article to prove your thesis.
Please do not use
more than 10.
Since you are using a source for this essay (Kagan’s article), you will need a works cited
page.
Page stipulations are in place and will be enforced. FOUR pages does NOT mean a few
sentences on page four…that is a 3.5pg paper.
As ALWAYS, for EVERY ESSAY in this class:
1) in MLA format (12pt font, double spaced, proper heading and last name with page
number on top R)
2) MUST include an interesting hook (quote, question, statistic, humor, personal story or
definition)
3) must also include a concluding paragraph that:
a) reinstates your thesis,
b) ties back to
the hook
c) indicates some sort of significance for your essay.
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