Essay 1: Argument Analysis Essay

Essay 1: Argument Analysis
*100 points (10%)
*3 FULL pages, no additional sources
“Ultimately, rhetoric is about civic engagement.”
–Johnathan Silverman and Dean Rader, The World is a Text
Directions:
1.The following article we have read so far to analyze.
Bates, Karen Grigsby. “When It Comes to Race and Sports, Who Owns an Athlete’s
Opinions?” NPR.org, 21 Oct.
2017, https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/10/21/557692016/when-itcomes-
to-race-and-sports-who-owns-an-athletes-opinions
2. Write a 4–5-page analysis of the author’s argument. This does not mean giving your
opinion on the issue, but rather making an evaluative claim about the author’s writing
strategies. After all, you can recognize that an argument is effective while disagreeing
with it, just as you can agree with a writer’s basic position but think their argument was
weak and unconvincing.
To be effective, your analysis should:
• Show that you understand the argument. (Summarize it accurately, most likely in
your first body paragraph)
• Analyze how the argument works. (Explain how and why the writer uses certain rhetorical strategies, persuasive appeals, and writing style)
• Make evaluative argument about the writer’s argument – and not about the underlying issue. Are their strategies effective? Do they use any logical fallacies? (Is the argument convincing? Helpful? Disruptive or distracting from the real issues? Offensive to certain audiences? Unrealistic? Harmful? Empowering? Etc.)
In order to earn a C or above, your essay should meet the following requirements:
1. 3 full pages of double-spaced writing measured with one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font (as in this very document). No extra spaces between paragraphs.
2. An introductory paragraph that discusses the background and context of the topic the author is writing about. Why are people concerned about this issue?
3. A thesis statement that claims not only that the author uses specific rhetorical strategies, but also whether the author successfully achieves their purpose with their intended audience. You’ll want to mention the article first as an example of public concern.
4. A brief summary of the article. This can be your first body paragraph.
5. Topic sentences and body paragraphs that directly relate to the claim of your thesis. Your essay can have as many body paragraphs as you see fit as long as you are meeting the minimum four-page length requirement. Please do not feel like you must force your sophisticated argument into the high school formula of a three-part thesis resulting in a five-paragraph essay.
6. Paraphrased and directly quoted examples from the article you are analyzing as support for your argument.
7. A conclusion that avoids summarizing your essay and instead leaves the reader with something further to think about.
8. In-text parenthetical citations for direct quotes using the author’s last name, like this
(DiFrancesco).
9. A correctly formatted MLA works cited page that is also numbered (but does not count towards the page minimum).
10. CANVAS upload in BOTH .docx AND .pdf file formats before the deadline.

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