31 - Rhetorical Analysis Rewrite

      Cesar Chavez appealed to the poorer, working classes in his article about Dr. King. In lines 91-93, Chavez states, “…time is our ally. We learned…that the rich may have money, but the poor has time.” Chavez uses an implicit relationship in this statement. By repeating the idea of time in both sentences but changing the subject from “our” to “the poor”, Chavez places himself in the poorer community. This builds a more intimate relationship between Chavez and the community, therefore also bestowing more of their trust in him. Also, he can unify the poorer working class together under his leadership, showing that their endurance and patience can outlast the abilities of the rich and their money. 

30 - Rhetorical Analysis Questions

What is a rhetorical analysis?

A rhetorical analysis breaks down a test to show how it works to achieve its purpose. Rhetorical analyses study how authors use specific devices to strengthen their argument, and how these devices then affect the audience. A rhetorical analysis is not supposed to be an argumentative or persuasive about the author’s position, but if they asserted their position well.

What is the format for writing a rhetorical analysis?

A rhetorical analysis should focus on the author, their claim or purpose for writing the article, and whom they are writing for (audience). Each body paragraph should introduce a specific part of the text, show the devices being used, and then explain how those devices enhance the argument. The analysis must show a connection between the textual evidence and the audience, as well as the connection between the audience and the implications of the claim.

How much time do you have to write the rhetorical analysis essay on the AP English exam?

You have about 40 minutes of writing time, plus a total of 15 minutes reading time for all of the questions. This allows 45 minutes total per question.

What are the qualities of a successful intro for a rhetorical analysis timed write?

The introduction paragraph of a rhetorical analysis should give the reader a sort of background to the text, author, and central claim of the text. The audience of the article also needs to be addressed, as well as which rhetorical devices the author used to appeal to the designated audience.

What are the qualities of a successful body paragraph for a rhetorical analysis timed write?

Each body paragraph must focus on one of the devices described in the introductory paragraph. All paragraphs must showcase well-chosen textual evidence that is supported with at least two sentences of analysis per one sentence of evidence.

What are the qualities of a successful conclusion for a rhetorical analysis timed write?

A conclusion paragraph must summarize the devices shown in the rest of the essay, as well as revisit the thesis of the paper. The conclusion should also reiterate the text, author, and audience, but not introduce anything new that was not analyzed in the body paragraphs.

What should you NOT do in a rhetorical analysis?

You should not use any sort of personal engagement in rhetorical analyses. Pronouns like “I”, “you”, or “we” should only be used if you are included in the spectrum of the desired audience, but even then, you should be careful. Rhetorical analyses are also not argumentative or persuasive, so any personal engagement in that aspect is also inappropriate. 

29 - Synthesis Rewrite

       Those who agree with Singer’s argument argue two compelling points. First, by donating or giving some sort of monetary aid, those who are less fortunate can gain some momentum and boost their socioeconomic status. For many, poverty is a bottomless pit that they cannot beat. Every day, bills stack up, interest on loans accrues, and their overall low status compounds. In third-world countries, as Singer argues, problems are more immediate: many struggle to feed themselves (or their families), or find the medical attention that they need. While people in first-world countries are picking colors for their new Porsche, people on the other end of the spectrum are dying from a lack of medical aid. This is completely immoral. Additionally, supporters of Singer’s argument show that by donating to the less fortunate, it can actually boost the area’s economy. If people do not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, hey can be out finding better work so that they can support their own families. Ideally, the more people make, eventually the more they can spend, which boosts business and monetary circulation that can benefit an entire area. Therefore, one act of donating can actually affect an entire neighborhood. 

28 - Phones are Everywhere

      It seems that as time progresses, technology spreads into the hands of more people. The generation/demographic that seems to be most affected by this spread is teenagers. Often criticized for their constant use of technology, teens seem to have their phones in their hands more often than not. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 71% of all teens have some sort of cell phone. This study detailed five different demographic categories, including sex, age, race/ethnicity, internet user, and household income. All of these categories, and their subcategories, reflected that at least half of that demographic had a cell phone. No matter if the teens were Caucasian, African-American, or Hispanic, more than 60% had a cell phone. No matter if the teen's household incomes was less than $30K or more than $75K, at least 60% had a cell phone. With 70% of males polling to have cell phones and 72% of females reporting cell phone ownership, not even the sex of the teen had an impact. All of this data shows that the widespread majority of teens own some sort of cellular device.  

27 - Play in the Rain

      Children know true joy. Juvenile ignorance paired with few worries creates an optimal state of happiness and bliss. The world is vibrant, their imagination vivid, their creativity unrestricted. As these children mature into adults, however, they lose this connection to their free selves. They become closed off to their childhood, and begin to fear going outside the box. The picture below exemplifies this idea. The young girl on the right embraces her freedom and joy; arms outstretched, she absorbs the radiant colors into her life. The man on the right, however, fearfully hides under his umbrella of darkness. His character, colorless and dim, avoids the vibrancy of the free world around him. This represents the dichotomy between the child and adult generations: what the children once welcomed, the adults cower at. The question is why? Why do adults lose this touch with their younger, freer selves?

26 - Out of Destruction Can Come Good

      When many picture destruction, fear and death come to mind. Annihilation and devastation plague the person’s ability to see any sort of light. However, out of desolation can come renovation, out of obliteration, rejuvenation. The picture shown below exemplifies this. In a forest of ruin, a member of the armed militia stops to play the piano. He is able to lighten the world around him brighter, even though it was presumed to be doused in negativity. He has chosen to bring light to an area of darkness. This is a conscious decisions that people must make in their own lives. It is easy to let times of struggle drag you down. It’s easy to blame the world for your sour mood. But at the end of the day, you have to face your life as it is: your life. No one else has control over your life but you. You must make the conscious decision to find the light that will get you out of the vacuum of darkness. You must find that one person, that one hobby, that one television show, something you can connect to that will being light into your life. Follow the example of the militant man, bring positivity into a field of ruin.