Rhetorical Analysis

One of the most significant facts about us may be that we all begin with the natural equipment to live a thousand kinds of lives but end in the end having lived only one. (Geertz 24).

Rhetorical Analysis Recipe

1 c. topic sentence.
2 Tbsp. of evidence.
360* for 10 minutes analyzing evidence.

If you want to be a success at writing a rhetorical analysis, you would be wise to follow the procedures mentioned above. I started out with a quote, which is NOT a good idea. But, I did that on purpose. If the only thing you read was that quote, then good job, you got the gist.

REAL Topic Sentence: The purpose of this life is to learn how to make small decisions and it is with those that we determine our destiny.

Evidence:      [Insert previous quote.]

Analysis: I often think about the experiences of my past life...

I could have been a dancer, gymnast, or tap-dancer, but instead I chose to play sports.
I played basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and ran track.

I could have been an actress, a performer, or a choir girl, but instead I took art lessons.
I paint, draw, and watercolor with pencil, acrylic, and pen.

I could have been shy, quiet, or reserved, but instead I'm a people-person.
I would rather be with a stranger, than be alone.

I could have gone to Weber, Dixie, or USU, but instead I chose BYU.
I had the chance to live a thousand types of lives, I could have, but if not I wouldn't be...

Yours truly,
ME


Geertz, Clifford (1965). The Impact of the Concept of Culture on the Concept of Man. In John R. Platt (Ed.), New Views of the Nature of Man (pp.16-29). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.