MLA Rhetorical Analysis - Mrs. Wilinski's Class



MLA Rhetorical AnalysisRational: Through this unit, you have worked to understand the power of words and language and develop an understanding of the importance of using rhetoric effectively. You will now analyze those arguments & discuss which techniques are effective and develop an argument well, and which do not.Directions: Students will select and analyze a famous speech in history. The speaker/speech could be from any famous person in history such as: President Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Adolf Hitler, Bill Gates, etc. You will analyze the speech for effective or ineffective use of ethos, pathos & logos. You will also describe the use of specific rhetorical devices used in the speech and if they help develop the argument, as well as noting any fallacies that may have been used. The point of the analysis is to discuss if the speech was effective or not and explain why. Note: you are not saying if the speaker convinced you of his point, but if he developed an effective speech or not.In a 3-4 page (approx. 1000-1500 words) essay students will discuss the following:Choose a famous speech from a famous speaker (the speaker/speech may only be used by ONE student in the class, so first to sign up gets his first choice).Briefly introduce & summarize the speech, noting the speaker, occasion & audience (SOAPSTONE).Point out the use of ethos, pathos & logos used in the speech & analyze whether it is effective or not. Choose the strongest/best developed strategies to discuss.Discuss the rhetorical devices used in the speech, being sure to include specific quotes from the speech that demonstrate these devices. Describe how these quotes advance the speaker’s argument (or not).Discuss any fallacies used in the speech and give specific quotes from the speech showing those fallacies.Argue whether the speech was effective or not. Did the speaker develop his argument well? Did it strongly & effectively hit its targeted audience? Why or why not? Requirements:1. 3-4 pages (1000-1500 words)2. Only support one side of the argument - i.e. either it was effective or it was not. State this clearly in your thesis statement.3. Each person’s analysis must include a minimum of:A Minimum of 3 quotes, maximum of 6 quotesReference to at least one outside source (see #4 below)3 specific examples/references of rhetorical elements and/or rhetorical devices from the speech being analyzed.4. Each person’s speech must include critical commentary from at least one (2 max.) outside scholarly sources. i.e. What did another expert or analysis say about this speech or comment on? (Scholarly sources include journal articles, approved periodicals, forwards, afterwards, or other information written by qualified persons. The article, or source, must be valid and relevant to the topic. (NO BRAINY QUOTES OR , Wikipedia, etc.)5. Quotes must be properly punctuated & integrated- no stand-alone quotes. Must reference the source or author of the quote directly before or after the quote.6. The Speech must include a dynamic Intro & Conclusion. Also clear transitions that link the paragraphs and unify the essay.7. The essay must be in MLA FORMAT, with an included Works Cited page. (see MLA Handout)See Rubric for grading requirements/more specifics. ................
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