How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay | AP Lang Q2 | Coach Hall Writes

[@CoachHallWrites]

Please check out the UPDATED version of this video. It's slow and more in-depth. You can view it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYaUkKV9q6Z4osk

[@natlopanda]

honestly you taught me more in this 5 minutes than my teacher did all year lol. Thank you!

[@CoachHallWrites]

Glad I could help!

[@dramaticate1885]

The fact that you started this channel almost 2 years ago when you assigned us our passion projects, and now it has grown, is amazing!

[@CoachHallWrites]

Thank you!

[@kayjay5105]

When there’s 15 minutes before the exam starts

[@skitch4862]

yeah me too

[@kayjay5105]

I forgot to submit my essay 😭😭😭 .. but good thing they gave me an email to send my response to 🥺

[@peymanjahanbin]

Now I have 10 mins!!! :)))

[@aniyahmariner455]

@@kayjay5105 was it hard???

[@pjork9531]

REAL

[@madlad_simohayha4363]

t-minus 1 hour, 12 minutes. APLANG HERE I COME!

[@latuba2478]

How’d you do? I feel stupid cuz I ain’t write my ap ID and only had 20 seconds to submit

[@Richardscreoleblend]

I would love to share a feel-good story with you, Couch Hall. So a thing happened that kind of breaks down how amazingly helpful you are. I decided one day out of the Covid-blue to become a nurse. I need school for that venture, so after twenty years I decided to wet my toes with Comp I for Summer I - that is an entire composition course covered in twenty-eight days, which is pretty tough. Toward the end of the first week, you have three days to write a critical analysis essay, with a one-day turnaround for feedback and twenty-four hours to submit a final draft. That wasn't the problem; the problem was that I didn't know w-t-h a rhetorical analysis essay was to fathom writing one. I mean, I read my prompt, and my instructor's instructions more than a dozen times. I scorched my keyboard furiously google-searching and landed on about a dozen youtube videos that were all useless about getting through my dyslexic, cross-wired brain. That is until I came across this one. This was the rosetta stone, i.e. the cereal box toy secret decoder ring to my instructions. I have not analyzed what the critical element was that made everything come together in my head. What I know is that I turned in a rough draft before coming across this video and did not submit a final draft; instead, I completely rewrote the project and turned in the first draft because I felt it was a superior submission to a revision of the original draft. I earned an A on that first-final submission. The kicker is, though, that my school decided to publish that essay in their academic journal. They chose twenty-two essays for publication for the 2021-2022 school year. My rhetorical analysis essay was one of them. So it is your fault that I am an academically accredited author.

[@CoachHallWrites]

That is incredible! Congrats! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@hagopalajajian4878]

Hi, this video was so helpful. My test is tomorrow and I heard that there aren't going to be line numbers this year. Does anyone know how we're supposed to reference our quotes?

[@xitrix9846]

Hagop Alajajian I am guessing we could just either simply state, “In paragraph(s) ___” or you could just not reference it at all. It all depends on how you are thinking of writing it. Some student to the top-to-bottom approach so they could simply separate their body paragraphs in terms of “the beginning, the middle, and the end.”

[@CoachHallWrites]

You don’t have to provide a citation. You should still embed the quote into a sentence, but there is nothing in the rhetorical analysis rubric that requires a citation. You just need evidence (direct quote or paraphrase.)

[@adambobs2740]

(e.g.) By continually reminding his audience to "simplify, simplify simplify" Thoreau . . .

[@itsjazlyn156]

You don’t cite your quotes!!!

[@thecraftycreme]

Thank you so much! I (and everyone else) really appreciate this! Good luck everyone, stay safe and take care!

[@catief.4197]

12 minutes left until my exam! THANK YOU

[@twalrus9833]

I’ve got this essay on my finals and this helped so much Thank you 🙏

[@catherinecaceres5502]

I paused the video like 10 times, lol but this is a great quick review. I just started taking AP English and Cmposition this school year. Your video was very helpful, thank you so much!

[@CoachHallWrites]

Thank you! I have other videos that go more in depth if you’re looking for more help. Glad it was helpful!

[@CoachHallWrites]

If you have any video requests, please leave them here. I'll be uploading weekly videos in preparation for the exam, and I'd love to know which topics you'd like me to cover.

[@owenlin6357]

For the essay, on the chart for 2:20 , would you put just "he/she appeals to logic" as a point in the thesis, or "he/she uses cause and effect to appeal to logic, ..." or, just "he/she uses cause and effect, ..." What I'm trying to say is how to integrate that chart as a point in your thesis and topic sentences.

[@CoachHallWrites]

I would probably use cause and effect in the thesis but would mention that it is an appeal to logic in the body paragraph. So many students use the appeals (which is okay) but I would be inclined to include something else in the thesis. That being said one could say something like "he/she uses cause and effect to logically assert that..." in a thesis or a body paragraph, and I think it would be fine. Sometimes thesis statements can get a bit "clunky." I would say that many times the appeals can be used to support other strategies that are present, so they don't need to go in the thesis. Thank you for always asking such insightful questions!

[@Stormyshadows]

How many body paragraphs (minus intro and conclusion) would you suggest and how many pieces of evidence? I'm sorry for all the questions! I am dying.

[@CoachHallWrites]

You should have 2-3 body paragraphs. Focus on development and quality, not the number of paragraphs. You ideally want to layer your evidence and commentary (evidence, commentary, evidence, commentary) to help you develop your ideas more.

[@Richardscreoleblend]

I love your essay video lectures. Thank you!

[@isabeldaniel7846]

I seem to be taking too much time in analyzing the prompt and figuring out what my essay will include, what is some advice you have for students who are going over the time limit?

[@CoachHallWrites]

Which part is taking too long? The annotating or the writing or all of it?

[@isabeldaniel7846]

Coach Hall Writes I would probably say the annotating haha I try to give myself about 10 minutes to read and annotate but i cant seem to get my thoughts together quick enough and get my thesis together as well and then that leaves me with limited time to actually write. I usually am 5-10 minutes over the time :(

[@thetwoamazingtacos9905]

Good luck everyone 👊👍

[@vidsfromvic8935]

saving my life i have my first essay tmr

[@sophiagarcia3774]

life saver oh my gosh. thank you so much😭🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@owenlin6357]

Also, how would you use "definition" as a point in a body? What common effects do "definitions" have?

[@CoachHallWrites]

We did a prompt in class in which the author defined "nerd." I think the passage was called "America Needs its Nerds." It was from a somewhat older exam. For this, you could analyze how the author defines the word nerd to establish his argument. Also, in the Luce prompt, she defines "good journalism" and, by default, implies the definition of "bad journalism." Given that she is speaking to a room full of journalists, hoping to convince them to print the truth and not tabloids, the definition of "good journalism" makes the audience more receptive to her call to action, as she establishes the standard they will want to achieve. Nobody wants to be grouped in with the "bad journalists." Another example might be the Chavez prompt, as the definition of nonviolence is paramount to his rationale. Authors use definition to establish parameters for their argument. If Luce wants her audience to practice good journalism, she has to define it. If Chavez wants people to practice nonviolence, even when violence might seem better, he has to define it and explain why it benefits his audience. Does that help?

[@toddvu2952]

Hello Mrs. Hall, frankly this is my first time commenting and, hopefully, my question makes sense. I like the formulaic style on how to write a rhetorical analysis due to the fact I can follow it without seeming lost, however, I'm having a hard time as to the structure of it. If I recall correctly, you would need rhetorical situations (I think you said all of SPACE CAT) AND rhetorical choices? Is this the format? Intro: Hook, Historical Context, rhetorical situation, thesis with purpose or rhetorical choice (so why do you say "or" wouldn't it be necessary to just include the rhetorical choice as eventually your purpose will be later explained in SPACECAT in the body paragraphs? Body: Topic sentence with purpose or rhetorical choice (this question applies to the same one just above it.) with the claim, evidence, commentary (where do you put the rhetorical situation?) My biggest confusion would be on how would you combine both rhetorical situations and rhetorical choice in the same paragraph and what is the basic format for the whole entire rhetorical analysis essay? That is a lot in just one paragraph saying how you would also like to see all of the rhetorical situation (SPACECAT) and several of the rhetorical choices, so how would that also be planned out as well? It seems as if the rhetorical situations and rhetorical choice need to be in their own separate body paragraphs. So how would you integrate both of them, if necessary, or they separate? Wooh sorry about the long question as I am a little confused about the format.

[@CoachHallWrites]

Thanks for your question. In May 2020, I did an “annotate with me” and a “write with me” 2-part video where I demonstrated how to annotate, plan, and write the essay. They are longer videos, but they might help clarify your questions. A hook is optional. Some passages do not have a clear historical context, but if they do that is helpful to in the intro. The rhetorical situation and thesis can be combined into the same sentence if needed. Most students do it that way. (ex: In his (tone) speech to AUDIENCE, SPEAKER (choices) to PURPOSE.) Yes, you need rhetorical choices in your thesis regardless of whether it is an open or closed thesis. (Most students write a closed thesis. However focusing on verbs/choices is stronger than focusing on nouns/devices.) Analyzing the passage chronologically creates a line of reasoning. You examine the relationship between the choices and the rhetorical situation (why does the author make this choice for this audience on this occasion.) Hopefully that helps clarify a bit. Thank you for your question! I cover these topics much more in separate videos, so if this video was confusing, perhaps the others will help.

[@haileyp.3874]

Hey, I know that online classes are back and there are assignments that can be hectic to handle. This video is great as it provides good tips on how to manage a rhetoric essay. I could also assist you in your online classes and assignments and guarantee you a smooth sail and good grades. Incase you need assistance kindly reach out to me here or through my email address: [e-mail]

[@cookingwithangela3493]

Hi Coach Hall! I was doing the sample prompt from the college board videos about Cesar Chavez and came up with this thesis: "In crafting his massage of importance of perusing nonviolent resistance over nonviolence, Chavez conveys the consequences of resorting to violent means, justifies the importance of maintaining clear goals, and encourages his audience to maintain patience in order to achieve their goals of civil rights." I was planning on supporting each claim with devices and strategies the author uses like juxtaposition, pathos, and logical appeals. But the sample response was something like "chavez.. uses juxtaposition, ....pathos.... and logical appeals..." where they stated the devices in their thesis. Would my thesis be acceptable and which type of thesis would you recommend?

[@CoachHallWrites]

The top one is stronger because of the active verbs, and that is the one I would aim to write on the exam (in terms of style.) Saying "uses juxtaposition, etc." is defensible because it identifies choices. It's just more of a device-driven thesis.

[@Sophias__]

I’m going to go watch your other vids about theses, but I was wondering if it is okay to have a more broad thesis that does not reflect rhetorical strategies? In my class we have written our thesis statements with author audience and purpose, but I’m not used to having to include the rhetorical strategies in the thesis. Is this necessary in your opinion? I feel like that would limit my paper. Our teacher had us use topic sentences for the body paragraph that referenced rhetorical strategies and then connected the analysis of the body paragraph back to the thesis. Do u have any thoughts about this? I’m stressed about the thesis because it’s so important for a good paper :( but I’m afraid I’ve been doing something wrong. Also thank you for this vid super helpful!!

[@CoachHallWrites]

From the sounds of it, you are describing an open thesis, which is fine. Many students struggle with this, so I do a closed thesis in most of my videos because it is easier for students to learn, especially if not in class. The important thing about a defensible thesis is that you identify what the writer is intentionally doing (rhetorical choices) which can be a noun or verb. Using strong verbs is preferred though (but not mandatory.)

[@Sophias__]

Coach Hall Writes thank you so so much! I will be sure to use strong verbs in my thesis. That makes me feel so much more comfortable thank you again!! You are so helpful and I appreciate it soooo much. Have a great day!!

[@itzelluis8208]

I HAVE MY TEST IN 30 MINUTES 💀😭

[@Stormyshadows]

What exactly does "examples" count for when talking about a piece? Is it just like,,,, statistics and events that the author mentions? I feel like that would be too easy though

[@CoachHallWrites]

Examples can be factual examples. For instance, in the Florence Kelley prompt she gives examples of the child labor laws in various states to logically convey the need to end child labor.

[@lolaa.8161]

My teacher wants us to avoid listing rhetorical devices and appeals in our theses but all the samples I’ve seen on college board with 9s do it. How else should I approach it?

[@CoachHallWrites]

I tend to prefer students use the “verb form” of choices instead of the “noun form.” It creates a closed thesis, but it defensible and easy for the scorer to identify. I attended a conference this week where I scored 100+ essays from students in my state. It was much easier to confidently award the thesis point when students referenced choices. However, it can be more sophisticated than simply “the author uses juxtaposition, appeals to logic, and vivid detail.” That would be what I call the “noun form.” Instead one could say “the author juxtaposes the harsh working conditions of the child laborers with the pleasant lives of the audience members; this, combined with the vivid details about said conditions, allows the author to logically assert that the women should join with the male voters to end child labor.” That’s what I would call the “verb form.” Notice that the sentence is more complicated and more detailed. Personally, I would be looking at released samples. For the new rubric, 4/6 or higher. For the old rubric, at least a 6/9 because some essays that were a 5 on the old rubric would be a 3 on this one. The assumed preferred score is now a 4/6. Does that help?

[@lolaa.8161]

Coach Hall Writes Yes, it does! Thank You so Much!

[@logysoliman8540]

do you think we need to know a lot of devices?

[@CoachHallWrites]

Not necessarily. I don’t think knowing a bunch of fancy names of devices matters as long as you can describe and analyze what the author is doing. If you get stuck and can’t think of a device, it often helps to just ask yourself “what is the author doing?”

[@slitherr5036]

How many points in the 6 point scale would I need to receive a 4 on the AP LAng exam?

[@CoachHallWrites]

No one knows, and unfortunately we won't know until after the exams have been scored. This is the case every year, but especially now that it is a new rubric and only one essay. That being said, and this is purely a guess, but if I was a student, I'd try to aim for a 5/6 consistently if I wanted that composite. No promises. Like I said, we don't know which essay scores will result in which composite, but that's what I'd aim for if I was a student. We do, however, know that the difficulty of the passage will also be taken into consideration. A harder passage would require a fewer points to earn a particular cut score.

[@slitherr5036]

@@CoachHallWrites Since this is different from writing on paper. How much should an essays word count be in order to receive a 5/6. Previosuly most essays that received high scores are about 3 pages.

[@lunalovegood5901]

Would it be best to write a rhetorical précis for the introductory paragraph?

[@CoachHallWrites]

That’s one option for sure. I tend to tell my students to do a hook and thesis. It achieves the same purpose, though.

[@Scsmitty]

Annotate.. ha, cant do that this year

[@xitrix9846]

WhyNotBeWeird I would say to have an extra tab open and take notes there. I heard many people might use Google Sheets to create a table, one section for indicating what paragraph(s), one for the paraphrase and/or quote(s), and then how they relate to the idea the author is trying to convey.

[@Scsmitty]

Xitrix, thank you for the idea! This will be very handy when it comes to the exam

[@xitrix9846]

WhyNotBeWeird You could always use paper if you prefer that!

[@CoachHallWrites]

You can take notes on a separate paper. You can also take notes in the same doc as your essay and then cut and paste your actual essay when you are ready to submit. You could also take notes in a doc in a separate tab/window depending on your setup.

[@machi8349]

bruh its literally in 6 hours im so done

[@walkerduncalf8630]

AP exam in the next 5 minutes, wtf am i doing here???

[@UnformedBog]

Jesus loves you ❤️

[@kareesas2727]

Way Too Fast! 💨

[@CoachHallWrites]

Kareesa S If you’re referring to the speaking speed, you can slow down the video. If you’re referring to the pace of lesson, there are other videos that go into more specific skills at a more in depth rate, so those might seem slower. This video was an overview for those cramming for the exam.

[@Messygesi]

Slow down

[@CoachHallWrites]

I just posted an updated video that is much slower. The link is pinned in the comments.