Green Sheet for Rhetorical Analysis

Green Sheets: Rhetorical Analysis Tips

(Process Grade: 50% Annotations, 50% Precis)

1. Set a purpose for reading. Remember you are looking for ways the author uses rhetorical strategies to achieve his or her purpose.
2. Read and Chunk the text. As you read,
3. Note shifts (usually in tone.) Use your tone vocabulary and label a specific tone word
4. After reading, draw lines or brackets to divide the text into 2-4 distinct sections. You should then write a brief note next to each section to identify what is happening in that section of the text. Keep it to six words.

3. Identify patterns, repetition and shifts. Focus on language that fits into these three categories,

rather than going on a literary device scavenger hunt.

4. Using a verb that shows analysis, clearly explain HOW the quote creates a particular meaning in

the paragraph and WHY that particular type of device was used to create meaning. Write this

Information somewhere in the margins.

5. Write out PASTA information for the text. PASTA stands for Purpose, Audience, Subject, Tone,

Author’s bias.

6. Create a Precis- Information on how to write a precis is on the following pages.

Now you are ready to write.

7. Craft a thesis statement. The thesis should always be focused on the big question.

8. Create a topic sentence for each chunk of the text. This will likely be pulled from a

Level two or three question from the annotations. With a thesis and topic sentences, you

now have a quick outline for your writing.

9. Choose textual support for each topic sentence. Keep the quotes to about six words.

10. Craft the body paragraphs with attention to the balance between evidence and

Commentary. The ratio should be concrete detail (evidence): commentary, commentary.

11. Organize the analysis by chronology of text chunks. This may look like:

• Before the shift/after the shift
• Beginning, middle, end

12. After writing the body paragraphs, Write the introduction and conclusion.