Crafting A Thesis Statement For A Rhetorical Analysis Essay

A thesis statement is one of the most challenging parts of a rhetorical analysis essay. Its usual pattern is to state whether the techniques an author employs are successful or not. Here are some tips that will help you develop the final sentence of your introductory paragraph.

  • Gather information.
  • Prior to writing your thesis statement, you should have a clear idea of your topic and the main points to be covered. Study carefully your object for analysis. Read it as many times as you need to understand its general tone, author’s strategies, arguments, rhetorical devices, etc. While reading, underline or write down the things that worth analyzing and making clear for readers. Determine the target audience of the given article, speech, or literary work; the author’s or speaker’s aim; techniques they use to achieve their aims.

  • Narrow your focus.
  • You won’t be able to touch upon every detail, so center your essay on analyzing certain aspects. For example, you can state whether the techniques the author uses are effective or ineffective. Your statement should let your readers know why the aspects you chose are important and what to expect in the body paragraphs.

  • Be concise.
  • A thesis statement is one sentence that sums up your analysis and brings forward the main points you’re going to scrutinize in your essay. Your readers should see the direction of your thoughts, the origin of your key argument together with the precise points (author’s effective or ineffective techniques) that you’ll prove and exemplify in your essay.

  • Look for some hints.
  • Your essay prompts can be the excellent hints. They’re usually questions that need to be answered in the main body. Perhaps, they already contain some specific aspects on which you need to concentrate your analysis.

  • Include background information.
  • A thesis is a part of the introduction. It’s normally preceded by an attention-getting sentence and some general information on your topic. Make sure that you included the background information that is logically connected with your statement. This way you’ll demonstrate why you tackle a particular side of your topic and what support you’re going to provide for your assertion.

  • Avoid certain phrases.
  • Don’t explicitly say what you’re going to do in your paper. Avoid personal phrases like “In this essay I will analyze” or “I believe/think”.

  • Create a draft.
  • Write a tentative statement that will serve as a guide for your writing. After completing your essay, you can revise it if you feel it needs some changes.

 
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