Rhetorical Analysis Essays for Beginners--Less Confident Writers Welcome!
Rhetorical analysis essays are a part of high school English curriculum, the AP Language & Composition exam, and the SAT writing portion. I will help your student understand how to approach these essays and practice writing or revising one.
What's included
Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed45 mins
per sessionTeacher support
Projects
1 hour per week. Students will complete a short rhetorical analysis essay in stages, beginning with annotating a reading passage, then developing a thesis and outline, then a rough draft, then a final draft.Assessment
If the student is planning to take the AP English Language & Composition exam, I can score the final essay by the exam rubric. I'm an experienced AP Exam scorer.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
The goal of 1-1 tutoring is to meet the student where they are in the learning process. Assuming the learner has no experience with rhetorical analysis essays, this is what they can expect: First session--establish comfort level with reading grade-level nonfiction and familiarity with common rhetorical terms, and providing a review or new instruction on the rhetorical appeals. Students will be able to choose a reading passage to annotate from a few provided choices for the next session. Second session--talk out rhetorical features of the annotated passage. Explore a rhetorical analysis essay prompt and break down the task. Look at model thesis statements. Students will prepare a thesis statement and complete an evidence graphic organizer before the next session. Third session--show models of analysis paragraph organization and practice citing text evidence and writing commentary sentences. Students will prepare a rough draft of the essay before the next session. Fourth session--review the rough draft together, noting areas of strength and areas for growth. Discuss revision strategies. Fifth or additional sessions--continue to give targeted support on problem areas, teach additional rhetorical devices and choices, or help students further revise essay draft. Students who do have some prior experience with rhetorical analysis or move through the content faster or slower than described above will be supported at their level of need!
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to break down a rhetorical analysis essay prompt.
Students will learn how to annotate a text for rhetorical choices and structure.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Students should have some experience with essay writing, but it's okay if they don't feel confident in writing yet.
Supply List
A six-page handout will be provided to students in the first session. They will need to have a printed copy of this for annotation, along with a pen or pencil. Highlighters in 3 colors are encouraged but not required.
Language of Instruction
English
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
The strategies, guiding annotation question handouts, and perspective on what makes for a successful essay come from my professional experience as a classroom English teacher in Illinois since 2013. In particular, I've taught college composition and AP English Language and Composition for the majority of that time and scored AP Exam essays for the College Board.
Reviews
Live 1-on-1 Lessons
$35
per sessionMeets on demand
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-17