The Coddling of the American Mind Rhetorical Analysis Essay
The Coddling of the American Mind Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Background:
In the last couple of weeks of class, we have spent a lot of time talking about the power of rhetoric, or the power of language, and the ways that authors can use this power to craft effective arguments and persuade their audiences. You have learned and practiced multiple rhetorical strategies. Now, it is time to put your newly acquired skills to the test.
Prompt:
For this essay, you will develop a rhetorical analysis of the article “The Coddling of the American Mind.”
Your analysis must include the following:
- An introductory paragraph (that includes a clear thesis making an argument about the authors’ effectiveness in crafting their argument).
- An academic summary of the article (as practiced in class).
- An analysis of at least three rhetorical strategies and how these are used by the author to craft an effective argument (also, as practiced in class)
- Remember to use direct quotes from the text to point out where these strategies are used and explain how they make the authors’ argument stronger (or not).
- You may choose any of the strategies we have discussed in class from the both my lectures and videos and your textbook (ethos, pathos, logos, organization, tone, types and strength of evidence, etc.)
- A short conclusion.
Requirements:
- 1000-1200 words long (not including the Works Cited page)
- A works cited page that cited the article in correct MLA format.
- An academic summary that follows the exact structure discussed in class.
- Quotes as support in each body paragraph discussing the use of a rhetorical strategy
