Transcript Writing a Thesis for a Rhetorical Analysis

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A proposition stated or put forward for
consideration, an idea to be discussed and
proved or to be maintained against objections.
◦ Example: He vigorously defended his thesis on the
causes of war.
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A subject for a composition or essay.
When a writer concisely says, in just a few
sentences, exactly what is the point/argument
of his/her essay.
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A narrative thesis. (Tells a story.)
An expressive thesis. (Tells a personal story.)
An informative thesis. (Gives information.)
An argumentative thesis. (Creates an
argument.)
An exploratory thesis. (Will explore
conflicting research, arguments, and look at
many sides of one story.)
 Requires
an informative thesis
statement:
◦ A thesis that gives information
(logos, ethos, pathos of an
article) and explains how it all
works together (purpose).
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Be early in your paper.
Be one or two sentences.
Hint at all the major points you will make in
the body of your paper (logos, ethos, pathos,
purpose).
Be as specific as possible.
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David Sedaris uses many rhetorical devices in
order to create his purpose.
This thesis is weak because it simply restates
the obvious without actually giving new
information. What rhetorical devices? What
purpose? Be specific. This thesis says
nothing, really.
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By using imagery, irony, and sarcasm to evoke humor and
sympathy, David Sedaris paints a picture of his childhood
that shows how his father’s often bizarre advice was
rooted in the best intentions, but often had quite the
opposite outcome when applied to his son’s own life. The
overall effect is a humorous comment on the differences in
generations, but also a warning to parents and children
alike of the dangers of letting fear drive how we parent
and how we live.
Good because it’s specific and covers all main points:
Logos-lists the major rhetorical devices (imagery, irony,
and sarcasm).
Ethos and pathos—briefly mentions two of the main types
of ethos and pathos created (humor and sympathy).
Purpose—how the father's best intentions went wrong.
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Avoid referring to yourself:
“In this paper I will prove that Martin Luther King uses
Biblical allusions, light and dark metaphors, and
repetition to evoke righteous anger and empathy in
order to prove his point that civil rights is the most
important social justice issue of his time.”
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Instead, just start with your point.
Better: “Martin Luther King uses Biblical allusions,
light and dark metaphors, and repetition to evoke
righteous anger and empathy in order to prove his
point that civil rights is the most important social
justice issue of his time.”