In this module you will write the first part of your analysis essay. This essay is a description of a rhetorical genre, using two examples
source 1 – Speech by Obama at a Memorial Service for the Victims of the Shooting in Tucson, Arizona
Source 2 – Speech by William Jefferson Clinton at Oklahoma Bombing Memorial Prayer Service Address
In this module you will write the first part of your analysis essay. This essay is a description of a rhetorical genre, using two examples of that form/situation as evidence. Your task is to make a claim about what these two essays represent. For instance, I might look at the two essays I am assigned and decide that they represent the convocation address. My task now is to demonstrate what these three examples of convocation have in common, and how they are representative of this form. That is, it is not enough simply to point out that there are common elements, I have to say something about what those elements are doing and why they matter. That is what makes this essay analysis rather than just summary.
For this essay, organization is a challenge. You might find yourself pulled to write a paragraph about each essay an then link it to the form. (“This essay is an example of a convocation address because it refers to the future. The speaker tells the audience “you can be the change we need in the world,” which is a clear example of positive future thoughts.”) If you organize your essay that way, you will find yourself in two difficulties. The first will be an almost overwhelming tendency to have five paragraphs. We don’t want that. The second is that it will be very hard to move from summary into interesting analysis.
Rather than thinking about each example on its own and writing it up, you should instead think in terms of common features of the form as demonstrated by your examples. For instance, if one of the markers of the convocation address is that they are positive about the future, you might have a paragraph that explores that. You might note that all of your examples are positive about the future, perhaps multiple times in each speech. You would then choose one or two of those to quote in the paragraph so that your reader can see what you mean. You might then conclude with a claim about why this element exists in this form. (No one wants a downer at convocation!) You are describing a rhetorical genre, so you will naturally focus on commonalities. However, if one of your examples has elements that are different, you can pursue those as well. Just make sure that you have a reason for discussing it. Here are some of the formatting guidelines for this assignment. Remember to check the assignment sheet before turning in your assignment.
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