Rhetorical Analysis and Devices

Dawn Knight, an English teacher, guides students through the process of writing a rhetorical analysis essay, focusing on the rhetorical situation and thesis statements. Using the 2019 prompt about Gandhi's Salt March, she explains how to identify rhetorical choices and craft a thesis statement. The lesson emphasizes understanding the rhetorical situation's components, analyzing Gandhi's letter to Lord Irwin, and recognizing rhetorical strategies. The video concludes with examples of thesis statements and a preview of the next lesson on organizing and writing commentary.

What is the primary focus of the rhetorical analysis essay discussed in the video?

• Examining the rhetorical situation and thesis statements

• Analyzing the author's biography

• Discussing the historical context of the essay

• Evaluating the grammar and syntax used

What historical event is the 2019 prompt based on?

• The French Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution

• The American Revolution

• Gandhi's Salt March

Which component is NOT part of the rhetorical situation?

• Exigence

• Purpose

• Grammar

• Audience

Who is the audience in the 2019 prompt's rhetorical situation?

• Mahatma Gandhi

• Lord Irwin

• The Indian public

• The British Parliament

What does Gandhi want to achieve through his letter to Lord Irwin?

• To open a dialogue

• To request financial aid

• To resign from leadership

• To declare war

What are the two main tasks of a thesis statement in a rhetorical analysis essay?

• Introduce the author and the audience

• Answer the prompt and be specific

• Describe the historical context and the author's background

• Summarize the essay and list references

What are rhetorical choices primarily used for?

• To list historical facts

• To appeal to an audience

• To confuse the audience

• To summarize the essay

What rhetorical device is highlighted in paragraph four of Gandhi's letter?

• Alliteration

• If-then statements

• Metaphors

• Personification

What tone shift is observed in paragraph five of Gandhi's letter?

• From humorous to serious

• From aggressive to passive

• From indifferent to concerned

• From friendly to warning

Which thesis statement best addresses both elements of the prompt?

• Gandhi uses tone shifts and if statements to convey his message about Britain's treatment of India.

• Gandhi uses tone and parallel statements to convey his message.

• Gandhi's letter is a historical document.

• Gandhi makes several rhetorical choices to convey his message.