Q Writing Instruction for the Rhetorical Analysis Essay: The Assignment and First Tasks Rhetorical Analysis Essay: This essay assignment asks you to describe an issue, event or idea and make a claim about an issue or event or idea. Making a claim means that you will evaluate the idea, issue or event. The assignment also asks that you consider an alternative or opposing viewpoint. Essay Topics: Choose ONE to write about: Writer James Barrie claims that, “Temper is a weapon we hold by the blade.” This vivid metaphor invites us to understand the danger that a burst of temper or outburst of anger causes to the person who becomes uncontrollably angry. We can all imagine the personal damage that would happen if anyone grasped a sharp knife by the blade. The knife, meant to harm the object of anger, instead harms the one who is angry. Choose this topic if you would like to write about a time when you witnessed or experienced a display of anger or temper that ended up hurting the angry person. If the anger also hurt others, that should be part of the essay’s discussion. Think of a time when you believed a statement or report that turned out to be inaccurate or misleading. Make a claim that evaluates and analyzes consequences and ethical issues of your having been deceived in this way. People sometimes say, “The end justifies the means.” This statement claims that the goal is so important that anything you do to obtain that goal is okay to do. For example, in Macbeth, the play we are reading this semester, the main character has great ambition and this leads him to crime and violence. So in his mind, his goals or ambitions justify what he does to fulfill that ambition. Another example is if your loved one needed medicine to survive, what actions would be justified to obtain that medicine? Think of when you have lived by this idea and the results or where you see others living this way and make a claim about the results or implications of practicing this philosophy. After reading the above assignment follow these directions: 1. Choose a topic. 2. Make a list of ideas that come to mind. 3. Write the first draft of the introduction by following these guidelines: Describe the incident or situation you will write about. Do this briefly, but with enough background information. Next, make a claim or judgement or evaluation about the incident or situation. Was it beneficial? Was it unjust? Was it traumatic? etc. Finally, explain why the idea is important or why people should care about the claim you are making. Submit this document on this page.