Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Tips

Summary

In this video, Coach Hall provides essential tips for writing a defensible rhetorical analysis thesis statement for the AP Lang exam. The video covers key elements such as defining a defensible thesis, the importance of including rhetorical choices and a specific message or purpose, and the distinction between rhetorical choices (verbs) and devices (nouns). Coach Hall advises against vague phrasing, overused phrases, and first-person language in thesis statements. She also demonstrates thesis examples to help students identify defensible versus non-defensible thesis statements. The goal is to help students create strong, defensible thesis statements that earn points on the AP Lang exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 Defensible thesis in rhetorical analysis means a claim that can be proven and supported with evidence.
• 😀 A thesis should include rhetorical choices, typically expressed as verbs like 'compares', 'contrasts', 'reminisces', etc.
• 😀 Rhetorical devices, which are nouns like 'metaphor', 'illusion', etc., are not essential in the thesis statement but may be mentioned in analysis.
• 😀 A thesis can be longer than one sentence and is often placed at the end of the introduction, although it can appear elsewhere.
• 😀 Including a specific message, argument, or purpose in your thesis can strengthen the essay and make it more targeted to the prompt.
• 😀 Avoid using vague phrases like 'the speaker makes several rhetorical choices' in your thesis, as it sounds redundant.
• 😀 Do not use first-person language (e.g., 'I think' or 'I'm going to write about') in the thesis statement.
• 😀 A useful sentence frame for a defensible thesis includes the speaker's name, two rhetorical choices, and the purpose or message.
• 😀 The use of tone words (e.g., 'critical' or 'sarcastic') is encouraged in the thesis statement to provide depth and context.
• 😀 Practice analyzing sample thesis statements to determine whether they are defensible, focusing on whether rhetorical choices and a clear message are included.

Q & A

What is the definition of a 'defensible thesis' in rhetorical analysis?

A defensible thesis is a claim that can be proven and supported with evidence. It refers to a thesis statement that can be backed up by analyzing rhetorical choices, such as how the author conveys a message, develops an argument, or achieves a purpose.

Where should a thesis statement typically be placed in an AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay?

The thesis statement is typically placed as the last sentence in the introduction of the essay.

Can a rhetorical analysis thesis be more than one sentence long?

Yes, the thesis statement can technically be more than one consecutive sentence in length.

What are rhetorical choices, and how do they differ from rhetorical devices?

Rhetorical choices are typically expressed as verbs and describe what the author is doing, such as comparing, contrasting, or acknowledging. In contrast, rhetorical devices are nouns, such as metaphor or repetition, which refer to the techniques the author uses.

What should a rhetorical analysis thesis include besides rhetorical choices?

In addition to rhetorical choices, a strong thesis should include the specific message, argument, or purpose that the prompt is asking for, as this helps ensure a focused and strong analysis.

Why is it important to include the message, argument, or purpose in the thesis?

Including the message, argument, or purpose in the thesis helps provide a clear direction for the essay and ensures that the analysis remains focused on answering the prompt. It leads to stronger essays because it directly addresses what the author is attempting to convey.

What are some phrases to avoid when writing a rhetorical analysis thesis?

Avoid phrases like 'the speaker makes several rhetorical choices,' as this is redundant. Also, avoid praising the writer's choices or using first-person phrases like 'I think' or 'I am going to write about.'

How can the sentence frame suggested in the video help when writing a thesis?

The suggested sentence frame helps structure the thesis by guiding the writer to include the necessary components: the speaker, rhetorical choices, tone, and the message, argument, or purpose. It provides a clear and organized way to craft a defensible thesis.

What is the 'Is it defensible?' game mentioned in the video?

The 'Is it defensible?' game involves evaluating sample thesis statements to determine whether they meet the criteria for being defensible. Students identify whether the thesis includes specific rhetorical choices and a clear message, argument, or purpose.

What are the characteristics of a defensible thesis based on the examples in the video?

A defensible thesis includes specific rhetorical choices (usually expressed as verbs), and a clear message, argument, or purpose. It avoids vague statements and ensures clarity and precision in the analysis.