For all of the
questions below, always cite specific words and phrases.
· What is the author’s theme/message/argument and
how is this reinforced by elements within the paragraph? Cite specific words
and phrases.
· What is the author’s purpose in this paragraph
and how does he reveal that?
· What is the author’s tone in this paragraph and
how does that tone reinforce his theme/message/argument?
· Is the author establishing ethos? In what way? Describe
the ethos he is establishing. How and why is this effective in persuading his
audience?
· Does the author use logos or pathos? If so,
where specifically? How are those particular uses of logos or pathos effective
or persuasive?
· What is the subtext of this paragraph (what is
the author trying to convey beneath the
surface of his sentences)? How does the subtext reinforce his overall
purpose or theme?
· What is the function of this paragraph? How does
this paragraph reinforce or compare/contrast with the paragraph that came
before or comes after this paragraph? How/why is the function of the paragraph
important?
· Does the author use loaded language? Where? Cite
examples. How is this loaded language effective?
· How does the writing style of the paragraph contribute
to the effect on the audience? Why is it effective?
· Does the author use any figurative language?
Give examples. How and why is the language effective?
· Is the author establishing background or
context? Why is this important?
· How does the pace (rhythm and length of
sentences) contribute to the mood/message? How and why is the pace effective?
· How is the beginning and end of the paragraph
effective? Why?
· Does the author make allusions in this
paragraph? How and why are those particular allusions effective?
· Does the author present a shift (change in any
way—tone, subject, style, pace, rhetorical mode, etc.)? How and why is this
effective?
· What is the rhetorical mode of this particular
paragraph? Why does the author choose to use this rhetorical mode? How and why
is this rhetorical mode effective?
· How is the organization of paragraphs effective?
Elaborate. Be specific. Consider other rhetorical techniques and devices you have learned in this class. Do you see any? How and why are they effective? See the notes you took on rhetoric at the beginning of this term. Also review the handout, "How to Analyze."
