Rhetorical analysis

Rhetorical Analysis Assignment Sheet
For this assignment, write a rhetorical analysis of “For Making the Most of College, It’s Still
Location, Location, Location” by Scott Carlson that follows the guidelines set forth below.
 Length: The final draft should be 3 ½ -5 pages
 Number of Sources: 1-2
 Documentation: APA
Introduction Section
In this section (1-3 paragraphs), include the following:
 Engage the reader about the topic
 The author’s name, the title of the article, the original place and date of publication (look
on the internet)
 A short summary of the article (which usually includes the author’s main idea, and the
main supporting points for the main idea)
 Your thesis statement for the paper, placing it as the last sentence of the paragraph.
Note about your thesis statement: Your thesis statement should focus on the text/how Carlson
presents his ideas (textual analysis), and it should express evaluation of the quality
(effective/strong or ineffective/weak) of the author’s ethos, pathos, and logos.
An example thesis may read, for example: Carlson’s establishment of his credibility, his appeals
to our values, and his logic are effective in supporting his main idea.
Body Section
To provide some background and explore the rhetorical context of this article, write at least one
paragraph about the author’s background and how this essay is part of the larger conversation
about what college should be like. Consider using Delbanco’s essay or Khan’s essay as part of
context you are providing. Think about in what ways this article could be considered an answer
to or rebuttal of Delbanco or Khan’s vision of college.
Transition to your major points regarding textual analysis—the choices Carlson has made to
present his argument. Write at least one paragraph for each of the three rhetorical elements
(ethos, pathos, and logos). How has the author used each of the rhetorical elements to make his
case? Make sure to support what you say about each of them in the thesis in the body paragraphs.
Don’t contradict yourself.
Generally, when you construct a body paragraph, you begin with a topic sentence that states the
main idea of the paragraph. From there, you move into including a piece of evidence – a quote
or a paraphrase from a source– that supports your idea and that provides evidence of the idea
you are discussing. From there, discuss the idea using the quote or the paraphrase you included.
Write at least one paragraph that explores why you agree or disagree with the author. Has his or
her use of the rhetorical elements influenced your thinking? First person is permitted and it is
not necessary to quote or paraphrase in this section.
Conclusion Section
Write a one-paragraph conclusion in which you reinforce your thesis and either recommend the
author’s work or not.
References
Using the guidelines for creating a Reference entry for an chapter from an edited book and add it
to a References page. Remember that we do this because we have quoted and paraphrased from
Carlson’s essay. If you have used Kahn or Delbanco’s essay or another source (you may have
chosen to do actual research on Carlson; however, a lot of information is available in the
textbook and within the article), you must also create an entry for it on the References page as
well.