If you haven't read the first blog for introduction and analysis, please go over there right now. In this blog, we will be covering tips and tricks so that you can develop your argument and essay in your body paragraph. The advice given is applicable to all essays in AP Language and Composition.
Please read the following article to refresh yourself. For the examples in this blog, we will be building off of the previous examples given in the Acing the Rhetoric Essay series.
Step 1(Thesis):
After you have analyzed for the purpose and evidence, you have already done the majority of the work. Creating a well-structured thesis is essential for your essay, but it is simple as it can follow a similar format every time. You can write two types of a thesis depending on how comfortable you are with your analysis. If you feel that you have found enough devices, utilize a closed thesis statement. Otherwise, if you are still looking for more devices, stick with an open thesis statement.
Open Thesis:
doesn't directly state any rhetorical strategies or devices
Format: In ARTICLE NAME, AUTHOR (synonym for argue) subject in order to PURPOSE.
*make sure to replace the underlined with items based on the text.
Example: In an address to Viceroy Lord Irwin, Gandhi disputes the recent actions of the British in order to make amends and construct a mutual relationship with England
Pros: You can build your essay as you go. You are not limited by the essay
Closed Thesis:
directly states any rhetorical strategies or devices
Format: In ARTICLE NAME, AUTHOR (synonym for uses) List of Rhetorical strategies in order to PURPOSE.
*make sure to replace the underlined with items based on the text.
Example: In an address to Viceroy Lord Irwin, Gandhi implements conciliatory language as well as an appeal to unity in order to make amends and construct a mutual relationship with England
Pros: It provides you a solid framework. After creating a thesis, you have a solid blueprint that you can follow for the rest of the time
Step 2(Body Paragraph):
Bodies paragraphs have four fundamental pieces: topic sentence, textual evidence, commentary, and analysis. We will discuss these four pieces individually, but it is good writing to provide adequate transitioning between each section.
Topic Sentence:
The topic sentence is literally a mini-thesis. Because of that, just use what you said in your thesis to make your topic sentence. If you have a closed thesis statement, just utilize one of the listed rhetorical strategies for your topic sentence. For open thesis statements, because your thesis did not list out any specific devices, you will just utilize one of the rhetorical strategies from your planning stage.
Example: Gandhi's pacifying words denounce British aggression and ultimately move towards building British relations.
Textual Evidence:
EMBED QUOTES!! This essential step makes your text much more professional and is necessary because it integrates the articles into your argument. The textual evidence can be in the same sentences as your commentary.
Example: By saying that Gandhi does not "seek to harm" the British, ...(continued in the commentary)
Commentary:
This is where you explain the textual evidence. In a rhetoric essay, this is where you show HOW a written piece evokes a response or is persuasive. This doesn't take into account a purpose but rather explains the function of a certain piece of text.
Example:(continuation of text evidence) ...Gandhi is actively seeking a point of conciliatory retribution due to his pacifying words that denounce violence. In doing so, Gandhi is actively trying to lessen tensions by saying that essentially only wants to help.
Analysis:
The analysis is the final punch and is one step over commentary. Weak writers usually forget this essential piece of the body paragraph. This is where your argument gains validity and is where you link a rhetorical strategy's usage to the purpose.
Example: By lessening tensions between him and the British, Gandhi is able to secure an ambassador role where he is mediating the reconstruction of relations by taking away animosity or tensions between the two.
*Notice, my examples formulate a basic form with which you can build off of. By adding your own style, syntax, and diction, you can add more words and depth.
*You will have more than one textual evidence per body paragraph. I suggest 2-3 per paragraph.
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