Write a 1,750-2,000-word essay that analyzes the rhetoric of a workplace document.
Benchmark Rhetorical Analysis of a Workplace Document
Instructions: Write a 1,750-2,000-word essay that analyzes the rhetoric of a workplace document.
The Scenario:
As you have learned from your reading and discussions, rhetoric is not simply about using language to communicate; rhetoric also has a social function and is closely tied to power (just as it is tied to truth and ethics). Given that workplaces are inherently communal (social) spaces with power structures, it is typical that workplace documents deploy rhetoric; that rhetoric may be different for internal and external documents, each which have different audiences (and, hence, different power relations and different social connections). To thrive in workplace writing, it is useful to be aware of the ways in which rhetorical theories manifest in workplace settings.
Assignment Task:
Using your knowledge of rhetorical theories, analyze the rhetorical strategies used in one document from your profession (or desired profession). The document you select must be 250-750 words and not contain sensitive or confidential information. Some appropriate documents could be mission statements, briefs, reports, letters, newsletters, promotional materials, brochures, performance evaluations, proposals, portions of a training handbook, etc. You might also consider other types of documents that one might not normally think of as “rhetorical,” even though they are: contracts, forms, instructions, tables, charts, graphs, packaging, or other information. However, note that the rhetorical theories we have covered up to this point may or may not help you interpret some kinds of communication, depending on what those theories assume about communication and what their authors are trying to describe.Also, please exercise caution with privacy: do not choose documents that contain sensitive information.
Once you have selected your document, examine it closely, and then write an analysis of the document’s rhetoric, making sure to evaluate the effectiveness of the document for the intended audience. Your essay should be 1,750-2,000 words and should include:
A summary of the document itself, the purpose for that type of document, the writer’s possible intentions, the intended audience for the document
An analysis of the document (including definitions of key analytical terms from rhetorical theories covered this far in the course, as appropriate; remember that “rhetoric” cannot be equated strictly with logos, pathos, and ethos. Other key terms will help you “see” communication in other ways, which can lead a more fruitful analysis.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of your document’s rhetoric for the audience
Prepare to be successful with this assignment by considering these questions as you work through it
Identify the intended audience of the document. Does the author have a single audience in mind or multiple audiences? What rhetorical strategies and/or words/phrases helped you determine the audience?
Identify the purpose of the document.
Pay attention to how the writer uses rhetorical strategies to address the audience. Where does the author(s) use strategies that have been discussed in class (perhaps logos, pathos, and ethos, but also beyond)?
Examine the context of the issues brought up in the document. Consider these questions: What does the intended audience already knows about the topic of the document? What larger debate, discussion, or conversation encapsulates he topic of the document?
Look closely at the document’s tone. How would you describe the tone? Do you see jargon in the document? What conclusions can you draw about rhetorical strategies based on tone and language use?
How well did the author(s) accomplish their intentions? How could the author(s) be more effective?
*A Note on Purpose: Your purpose in completing this assignment is to demonstrate your ability to identify rhetorical concepts and apply those concepts to a piece of workplace writing. You should also use evidence judiciously and cite that evidence appropriately while writing a sustained, cogent, and well-organized argumentative essay (because making judgments about “effectiveness” is an opportunity to support a point of view).
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a grading rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Note: This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competency:
MS English with an Emphasis in Education
4.1: Apply key terms and theories to the analysis of communicative acts.
You are required to submit this assignment toLopesWrite Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
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