ENGL 1013 Writing Studies – Module 3 Guide

Module 3: Analysis

Module 3 Group Discussion 1: Sell It

The readings in this module focus on the various ways that advertisers or authors persuade readers with certain rhetorical tactics (such as using slanting and charged language or the tactics used by fake news versus real news journalists).

Choose something you own that you really like or an issue that you care about, and pretend that you need to sell it. In your ad, be sure to keep the readings in mind. What kind of slogan or language should you use for your “product”? Are you going to include some slanting or charged language to persuade? What rhetorical appeals can you use to appeal to a specific demographic or audience? Have fun with this assignment!

Guidelines

Write 1-3 paragraph advertisement for you chosen object. Your ad should include specific rhetorical appeals or tactics detailed in the readings in this module.

Then, interact with your classmates by responding to at least one post. In your post, be sure to address what you found most compelling about their ad. What worked in their ad and what didn’t work? Try to reference the rhetorical appeals and rhetorical strategies they employed (or did not employ). Your response should be 1-2 paragraphs in length.

Module 3 Group Discussion 2: Analysis Practice

As we’ve continued to focus on rhetorical analysis in this module, you now have even more tactics that advertisers and marketers use to persuade consumers. From Gaby Barrios’s analysis of the gender-based marketing strategies (and how they fail) to weasel words to the importance of slogans to the various appeals that advertisers make. You even saw an example of breaking down an advertisement in the essay that analyzes the creepy language Taco Bell uses.

Now, think about an advertisement you’ve seen in the last 6 months to practice the writing you have to do for Essay 2. How do you see these advertising tactics and rhetorical strategies showing up in the ad you’ve chosen? Are these tactics effective in persuading you (or some other audience) to buy the product? Why or why not?

Guidelines

Write 2-3 paragraphs analyzing your chosen ad in terms of the tactics and rhetorical strategies presented in the reading in this unit. Make sure you explicitly reference at least ONE of the readings/TED Talks we’ve covered (e.g. Lutz on weasel words, Barrios on gender-based marketing, etc.)

Then, interact with your classmates by responding to at least one post. In your post, be sure to address if you’re convinced by their analysis. What else could they have described about their ad or the sources to show you more clearly the point they’re trying to make about the ad?

Your response should be 1-2 paragraphs in length.