1. Identify the writer’s main claim about the rhetoric, ideology or and subtext of the piece.
2. Identify and comment on the writer’s discussion of the text’s rhetorical situation. Consider the appropriateness of the discussion: Does the draft focus on rhetorical elements that are most relevant to text or the does the draft feel formulaic? Name one thing that might be added, deleted, changed, or moved.
3. Warning flags: check any of the following predominant themes this paper contains that might suggest a weak introduction or thesis:
Advertising is everywhere___
Ads try to persuade us___
Life really isn’t like what the ad proclaims__
Ads have many components__
Ads are deceptive__
The ad did a great job__
The ad catches your eye__
The rhetor (President Obama, Chrysler, Lou Gherig, Martin Luther King, Dove, etc.) does an effective job at…___
The rhetor uses ethos, logos, and pathos to…____
(note: these kinds of statements can apply in some way to many texts)
4. Find a strong analytical topic sentence and a weak one. Explain why you have identified them as such.
5. Comment on the organization of the piece. What other possible arrangement strategies might make more of the material and develop arguments more fully?
6. You wanted to read more about….