Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay about Civic Education
Question 6 • TX-English III
Read the paragraph from a student’s rhetorical analysis essay.At the end of his address on Syria, Obama encourages all Americans to support military action against Syria. He acknowledges America’s role as "the anchor of global security." He then asks people of all political parties, "members of Congress and those of you watching at home tonight," to consider the disturbing images from Syria. He uses a rhetorical question to ask what would happen if Americans chose to ignore this horrible violation of international law.
Answer
A
Obama voices his belief that the United States can stop atrocities without incurring too much risk.
B
Obama ends the speech by stating that the US needs to respond to the violation of international law to maintain power.
C
By reminding the audience that the US has had a central role in keeping the world secure, Obama builds support to maintain peace.
D
By naming the different groups he hopes to persuade, Obama builds pressure to support military action and create a unified response to the atrocities.
Explanation
Obama directly addresses “members of Congress” and people watching at home, including Americans across political parties. Naming these groups makes the appeal broad and encourages them to unite in supporting action; the disturbing images and rhetorical question add pressure to respond. Choice D best captures this strategy, while choice C focuses only on America’s role as a global security anchor.
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