Setting up a claim for a rhetorical analysis: 

Author’s name, in his genre titled, title, uses most effective rhetorical strategies to purpose.

Sample Claim:

Anne Barnard and Karam Shoumali, in their New York Times article titled, “Image of Drowned Syrian, Aylan Kurdi, 3, Brings Migrant Crisis into Focus,” use compelling first-hand interviews and visuals to highlight how the current Syrian migrant crisis gained global attention after the release of a photo of a drowned Syrian boy.

Kernel Essays:  “mini-essays” that work as brainstorming spaces/outlines for larger analytical essays

Rhetorical Analysis Kernel Essay Format:

Claim, Evidence/Function, Evidence/Function, and Evaluation

Sample Kernel Essay:

Anne Barnard and Karam Shoumali, in their New York Times article titled, “Image of Drowned Syrian, Aylan Kurdi, 3, Brings Migrant Crisis into Focus,” use compelling first-hand interviews and visuals to highlight how the current Syrian migrant crisis gained global attention after the release of a photo of a drowned Syrian boy.  By using interview from Mr. Kurdi, the father of the drowned Syrian toddler, the authors make the issue concrete and accessible to their audience.  When Mr. Kurdi says, “Even if you give me all the countries in the world, I don’t want them. What was precious is gone” (Barnard & Shoumali), readers understand the scope and magnitude of the situation.  The stunning photograph of the young Aylan Kurdi washed ashore speaks to the audience on an emotional level, reminding readers that this conflict is real and affects even the most innocent among us.  The interviews and images work together to effectively convey the tragedy facing Middle Eastern migrants and the need for a response by forces, like Europe, who are well-equipped to act.