Rhetorical Analysis workshop guide

Wendy J. Reviewing: Caroline Larach

1. Has the author provided some context, explaining how this issue became a matter of
discussion? What about physical context of the itemwhere was it, when, what does the
author know about this time and place and text?
I know that it was distributed during the Second World War in urban locations. But you should
elaborate more in the issue becoming a matter of discussion. Your purpose is to Express
importance of saving fuel during wartime but you should discuss the history behind the need to
save fuel for the war. (More specifically, were we running out of fuel at one point, which caused
this ad to come out? Was there a lot of questioning ones loyalty to a country at that time? etc.)

2. Is there (yet) a major claim about the text? This may evaluate the success of the text given
what the author understands to be the purpose and audience, or it may answer another
question about the text. However, there should be a main idea which all of the smaller
rhetorical analysis parts support. If you dont see that yet, do you have any suggestions for
helping the author get there?
I am certain that your main idea is: the formatting of the text on the poster and its illustration
questions American citizens of that times allegiance to the country through how they use fuel.

3. Has the author framed his or her use of the idea of rhetorical analysis or some of the terms
used to perform rhetorical analysis? An author might use Carroll (Backpacks and Briefcases),
Porter, or Haas and Flower, and does not need to use more than one (though they may).
Caroline framed her use of the idea of rhetorical analysis through Carrolls audience, purpose,
and visual analysis.

4. Has the author addressed at least some of these for their text: exigence, audience,
constraints, rhetor, purpose, context, visual analysis (colors, fonts, arrangement), or other
items from the rubric?
Yes, Caroline addressed the purpose, audience, and visual rhetoric of the war propaganda
poster.

5. How has the authors explanation of the rhetorical situation enhanced your understanding of
both the issue and how people talk about the issue? Has the author made any move to explain
how or why this rhetorical analysis might change a readers understanding of the text?
Through Carolines explanation of the rhetorical situation, I understand that the exact format
and intentional distribution of the text would have made the American people at that time
question and compare their allegiance to the United States.

Rhetorical Analysis workshop guide

Wendy J. Reviewing: Caroline Larach
You explained how it might change their mentality that non car-sharing = supporting the
enemy as gas is needed for war effort. Thus, a person seeing this ad with their changed
mentality, might now be convicted to carry out the action of riding together.

6. Has the author cited sources where necessary? Do they have any questions about internal or
end citations that we may wish to address as a class?
You forgot to place your works cited in the Prezi. But you did mention that the poster was
distributed amongst urban locations throughout the United States during the second world war
I dont believe that Caroline has trouble with internal or end citations, but that she forgot to
place them in.

7. How has the author chosen to organize the information? Can you suggest one alternate
organizational plan that might also work?
Caroline organized the information by introducing us to its purpose and audience. This gave me
an idea of what to expect next. It then flowed through with an analysis of the visual design. I
think you connected well the visual design to the audience and how they, the audience are
affected.

8. In what way did the author choose to present their rhetorical analysis (remember, a
traditional paper or PowerPoint are the only two non-options). Why do you think the author
chose this format or media? Does it help them make their argument about the text? Why or
why not? Do you think they should continue with this format, or switch to something else?
Caroline chose to present her information through the use of a Prezi. I think she chose this
format because its a very reliable tool and it is easy to create presentations. I think that you
should continue with this format, as the information presented kept my attention from
beginning to end.