WEEK SIX

Formatting the Rhetorical Analysis and Integrating Quotations

Important Semester Information

Upcoming Due Dates
Draft 1.1: October 23
Draft 1.2: November 30

(Monday after
Thanksgiving Break)
Writing Review:

December 4

Class Days Left (Eight)

October 12
October 19
October 26 (Last day to
drop a course)
November 2
November 9
November 16
November 30 (Last day
of class)

Reminders and Resources

For this course, you are only allowed two absences. Each

additional absence results in 5% deducted from your final

grade.
Late penalties:
1-3 days late: 5 points will be deducted per day late
4 or more days late: 10 points will be deducted per day late

Writing Center, M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rm 175,

806-742-2476
Office Hours: M 2-5 and R 2-4 or by appointment, Rm 456
Class blog, handouts, and examples in appendix of

textbook, pages 591-608

Narrowing Audience and Purpose

Research where the article was published
Content Included/Excluded
Level of Language Use
Form/Structure of the Article
Relationship Established with Audience
Formula for Purpose
At the beginning of the text, the writer assumes that the reader
believes (blank), but by the end of the text, the writer hopes that the
reader believes (blank).
See BA3 Handout and pages 18-22 in your textbook

Analyzing Rhetorical Choices

Arguably, the most difficult part of the rhetorical analysis is

explaining how the authors rhetorical choice makes the

writing more effective (or ineffective if you are taking this
approach).
There are seemingly infinite ways to describe rhetoric,
which can make this part of the rhetorical analysis feel
overwhelming.
If you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself: How does this
writers rhetorical choice allow her to reach her
audience and achieve her purpose? When in doubt,
always think about how the choice relates back to the
audience and purpose.

Example One
Steele uses very direct tone in his arguments, and makes

his point as clear as he can. Steele is not afraid to openly

criticize people who use victimhood to gain power, and
even terms the practice narcissistic. Steeles conversation
with the lady at the conference is a clear example of this.
During the conversation, Steele openly challenges her,
and is not afraid to admit his point of view clearly. The use
of direct approach to sensitive issues makes it easier for
the audience to understand his point early on, and
understand what he is trying to portray (Sadiq 594).

Example Two
Steele uses multiple perspectives as another one of his

rhetorical choices. In his writing he discusses the

aftermath of his lecture, and touches upon a conversation
he had with the chairperson of a womens-studies
department. This enables Steele to have the opportunity
to present the opposing sides point of viewSteele is
able to present this womans opinion in a beneficial
manner relative to the argument he is trying to
communicate. At this same time he lets his audience see
the other side of such argument, and make an informed
choice on whether or not to support it (Wood 595).

Brief Assignment 5 (Due October 9)

Objective: To identify and evaluate examples, including quotations, for use in your rhetorical analysis.
Purpose: Quotations pose several challenges for writers. The purpose of this assignment is for you to

select quotations from the article you will analyze in your rhetorical analysis, evaluate their usefulness,
and discuss how and where you might use these in your upcoming draft. You may also choose to
paraphrase quotations, so explain your reasons for doing so rather than using the quotation directly.
Description: Begin by writing your working thesis at the top of your assignment. Then, select a minimum

of five quotations from the article that you will use as examples of particular rhetorical choices. Write a
brief assessment (100-120 words) of why each quotation would be useful to you in composing your draft.
Your assessment of each quotation should include your answers to the following questions:
What rhetorical choice does this quotation demonstrate?
How does this quote demonstrate the points you want to make about the authors rhetorical
effectiveness?
Where will this quotation fit in your Draft 1.1s organization?
Your analysis, not counting the quotations, should be 500-650 words.
NOTE: You may find that in identifying and evaluating your quotations, you will modify and improve your

original thesis statement.

Example of formatting for BA5

Thesis Statement:
Quote 1:
Remember that you need to provide a parenthetical citation for
each quote. (Authors last name page number)
Analysis 1:
MLA citation of article
Lastname, First name. "Title of Article." Title of Collection. Ed. City
of Publication: Publisher, Year. Page range of entry. Medium of
Publication.
MacNeil, Robert. Do You Speak American? First-Year

Writing: Writing in the Disciplines. Ninth Custom Edition.

New York: Pearson, 2015. 306-316. Print

Example One Quote

He forgot nothing. I did my time on the picket line, but not

without building up enough resentment to start a fight on

the way home. What was so important about integration?
We had never even wanted to eat at a Woolworths. I told
him the truth that he never took us to any restaurant
anyway, claiming always that they charged too much for
bad food. But he said calmly that he was proud of me for
marching and that he knew I knew food wasnt the main
point (Steele 455).

Example One Analysis

This quotation will go in the final body paragraph of my

paper, which will discuss the credibility through personal

anecdotes. I choose this quote because it supports my
claim that Steele chooses personal anecdotes to build his
credibility as a race relations commentator. One of Steeles
primary audiences are minorities particularly African
Americans, who have a high emotional attachment with
the Civil Rights Movement. By using this personal
experience during the Civil Rights Movement, Steele
connects on a personal level with his audience. I will use
this quote directly as it conveys a message to his audience
that Steele has been part of the Civil Rights Movement and
thus has the credibility to talk about it (Sadiq 598).

Example Two Quote

So here we were again, in the name of a thousand good

intentions, falling away from the hard challenge of a

democracy of individuals embracing the principle of
collective entitlement that had so corrupted the American
ideal in the first place (Steele 455).

Example Two Analysis

This quote supports Steeles rhetorical choice of

illustration, so I will use this quote in my first body

paragraph. The audience can see clearly through this
quote what Steele believes has happened to the American
ideal. Steele uses this quote to paint a picture for this
audience, which helps create a sense that his audience
should do something in order to reverse the illustration
that is painted in this quote. This quote will fit in to my
essay well because it helps prove that Steele used
illustration to persuade the audience (Donaway 601).

Tips for Selecting Quotations

Make sure that you do not quote too little.
Make sure that you do not overquote.
Be careful not to select quotations just for the sake of

demonstrating that youve read the authors work; you

need to make sure they support your own argument
(They Say/ I Say 43).
Quoting what they say must always be connected with

what you say (They Say/ I Say 43).

Writing Activity
Select one quote that you want to use in your Draft 1.1.

You may use one of the quotes that you provided in BA3.
Answer the following questions about the quote:
What rhetorical choice does this quotation demonstrate?
How does this quote demonstrate the points you want to make

about the authors rhetorical effectiveness?

Where will this quotation fit in your Draft 1.1s organization?

After answering the questions (if there is enough time),

trade your answers with one other student and give each
other feedback on your answers.
Use this time wisely. I am allowing you to get started on
BA5. If you do not complete this writing activity, you will
not receive participation points for today.

(Again) Instructions for BA5

Select five quotations that you will use in your Draft 1.1.
Write a brief assessment (100-200 words) for each

quotation that answers the following questions:

What rhetorical choice does this quotation demonstrate?
How does this quote demonstrate the points you want to make

about the authors rhetorical effectiveness?

Where will this quotation fit in your Draft 1.1s organization?

Clearly label each part of your assignment. (Thesis

Statement: Quote 1: Analysis 1:)

Include a parenthetical citation for each quote and a MLA
citation for the article at the end of your assignment.
Your entire assignment should be between 500-650
words, not including the quotations.

Before you leave

Please read the following by October 12:
Audio Lesson: Rhetorical Analysis from a Readers Perspective
Chapter 2, pages 23-39, in The St. Martins Handbook
Integrating Quotations Handout (available on class blog)
Chapter 3, They Say/ I Say (if you have not read yet)
Bring a written outline of your Draft 1.1 to class on

Monday (October 12). A example rhetorical analysis

outline is available on the class blog under the handout
tab.
Turn in BA5 by Friday, October 9 on Raider Writer by
11:59:59 p.m.