Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay about Shirley Chisholm's Bid for Presidency — Quiz
Question 12 • English IV
Read the excerpt from Yves’s rhetorical analysis essay of Shirley Chisholm’s presidential announcement speech. Yves wants to revise the essay to improve his analysis. Student Work Chisholm says, "Those of you who can now vote for the first time, those of you who agree with me that the institutions of this country belong to all of the people who inhabit it, those of you who have been neglected, left out, ignored, forgotten, or shunned aside for whatever reason: Give me your help at this hour.” In these lines, she uses parallelism and diction to make her speech resonate with people who have felt excluded from the political conversation. Which sentence is the best addition to improve his analysis?
Answer
A
Chisholm’s listing of the words “neglected, left out, ignored, forgotten, or shunned” accentuates the problems many listeners experienced and connects listeners to her as a solution.
B
Chisholm’s strong, forceful words describe the ways her listeners have felt in the past.
C
Chisholm’s mention of “those of you who agree with me” creates a direct link to her listeners.
D
Chisholm’s reference to first-time voters highlights the new perspective she will bring to governing underrepresented citizens.
Explanation
The best addition analyzes a specific rhetorical choice and explains its effect. Chisholm’s list—“neglected, left out, ignored, forgotten, or shunned”—uses vivid diction and parallel phrasing to emphasize the many ways listeners may have been excluded, then links those listeners to her request for their help. Choice A makes that connection more clearly than the other choices, which mostly identify a detail without fully explaining its effect.
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