This first coursework is designed to develop your critical perspective and hone your use of specific evidence to support an
analytical image. You will select and analyze a visual text according to the concepts of rhetorical criticism discussed in
class, considering its context, audience, purpose—and the verbal and visual strategies employed by the author/designer. The
final 3-4 page essay, formatted according to standard academic conventions, will have a clear argument (not summary) about
how the Image works, multiple supporting claims, detailed evidence from the text, and a thoughtful “so what?” conclusion.
Rhetorical Analysis Outline
• Introduction: Provide brief summary of what the ad looks like
– Thesis statement: Who is the audience and what is the message this ad is trying to portray?
• Analysis of Ad (body): Here you are providing evidence from the ad to support your ideas of what the message is and who the
audience is. Provide details from the ad. Refer to your answers of the questions on pages 261-263 to link the visual concepts
to as evidence for the way you think. Make sure to group similar ideas together.
• Conclusion: Wrap up your ideas by restating your thesis and major points
