Assignment: Rhetorical Analysis
I. Analyze a recent persuasive speech (within the past three years) utilizing each of Aristotle's three artistic proofs: logos, ethos, pathos. You can pull from different branches of government and/or occasions, and various issues.
II. Identify the speaker, speech, and occasion.
III. Source all examples from the same speech to examine the interrelation between the modes of proof.
IV. Feel free to use any of the terms and concepts for each type of proof.
• For instance, you could identify an enthymeme and/or a series of examples for logos.
• You could also analyze intelligence, character, and/or goodwill as the primary method of establishing ethos.
• You could recognize the speaker's evocation of any of the emotions as an example of pathos.
V. For each concept, develop a clear thesis in one paragraph (three paragraphs total, approximately one page each).
Rhetorical Analysis Style
o Aside from identifying the speaker, speech, and occasion, avoid introductory comments one would typically find in a full-length essay, for instance: "The lecture notes outline several types of artistic proof," or "rhetoric is a multi-faceted part of our society." Simply begin with the first concept that applies to your example, such as: "The speaker used the following enthymeme as a means of creating logos." Then proceed to illustrate this artistic proof through brief quotations (1-2 sentences max. for each quotation) from the speech itself.
o For each example, provide direct quotations that demonstrate that concept. In other words, provide proof or evidence for your claim about the speaker's method of persuasion.
o Keep quotations 1-2 sentences maximum. It's better to follow each brief quotation with strong explanations in your own words than to simply string together a series of block quotations. The goal is to show your analytical skills.
Format your assignment according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, and typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the assignment, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.