Common Core: 11th Grade English Language Arts

This subject focuses on developing critical reading, writing, and analytical skills through diverse literary and informational texts.

Analyzing Literary TextsEvaluating Informational TextsWriting with Clarity and Purpose
Synthesizing Multiple TextsRhetorical AnalysisResearch and Citation Skills
Critical Reading in Everyday LifeEffective Communication SkillsWriting for Real-World Situations
Close Reading TechniquesTime Management for Reading and Writing
Analyzing Literary T...Evaluating Informati...Writing with Clarity...Synthesizing Multipl...Rhetorical AnalysisResearch and Citatio...Critical Reading in ...Effective Communicat...Writing for Real-Wor...Close Reading Techni...Time Management for ...
Advanced Topics

Rhetorical Analysis

Decoding How Authors Persuade

Rhetorical analysis is all about understanding how authors convince readers. You'll learn to spot tools like ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic).

The Building Blocks of Persuasion

  • Ethos: The writer's trustworthiness or authority.
  • Pathos: Appeals to the audience’s emotions.
  • Logos: Logical arguments and evidence.

Steps for Analysis

  1. Identify the author’s purpose.
  2. Look for rhetorical devices like repetition, metaphors, or questions.
  3. Evaluate how these choices affect the audience.

Why It Matters

Understanding rhetoric helps you become a more critical reader—and a more persuasive speaker or writer!

Examples

  • Analyzing how a politician’s speech appeals to emotions.

  • Examining rhetorical questions in a magazine editorial.

In a Nutshell

Uncover the secrets behind persuasive writing and speeches.

Key Terms

Rhetoric
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Ethos
An appeal to the writer's or speaker's credibility.
Pathos
An appeal to the audience's emotions.
Logos
An appeal to logic and reason.
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Research and Citation Skills