1. Rhetorical Analysis
(aka – picking apart, examining and evaluating someone
else’s argument)
What is the author’s main claim? What is he trying to
convince us to believe or persuade us to do?
What reasons does he give?
What evidence does he give to support his reasons and
his claims?
For each reason/evidence you listed, decide which of the
three categories of “rhetorical strategy” it best fits into:

2. 1. Playing on people’s emotions (pathos). Example:
Look at these pictures of these poor suffering
animals.
2. Using logic and reason, facts and figures (logos).
Example: If we don’t fix this bridge now, we will pay
a lot more later.
3. Pointing out one’s own credibility or authority on a
topic (ethos). Example: Trust me. I’m a doctor.
Overall, do you think the author has a convincing
argument? Does he make his case?
What suggestions do you have for him on making his
case even stronger?
Do you think this author is credible on this topic? Why or
why not?