Lecture Notes: Improving Commentary for Rhetorical Analysis Essays

Introduction

• Purpose: To help with producing commentary for rhetorical analysis essays, specifically for AP Lang Question 2.
• Resources: Videos on commentary production, part of the Garden of English's AP Lang Ultimate Review Packet.
  • Includes exclusive videos, note guides, practice exams, and self-assessment tools.
  • Links to free writing instruction videos on YouTube.

Importance of Commentary in Rhetorical Analysis

• Commentary connects evidence to the thesis and topic sentences.
• Essential to explain how evidence proves the claims made.

Five Essential Words/Phrases for Commentary

1. Because
2. Since
3. Thus if
4. Furthermore
5. Ultimately moving the audience to

• These prompts guide logical, clear commentary and ensure comprehensive explanation.

Strategy for Writing Commentary

1. Pick Out Key Language: Identify specific words/phrases in the evidence that support non-violence.
2. Integrate Key Words in Commentary: Use the identified language throughout the commentary to maintain focus.

Example Commentary Process

• Step 1: Because
  • Connects Dr. King to non-violence.
  • Assumes audience awareness of his peaceful demonstrations and legislative impact.
• Step 2: Since
  • Assumptions about audience preferences for proven tactics.
• Step 3: Thus If
  • Logical correlation between Dr. King's success and audience action.
• Step 4: Furthermore
  • Connotations of Dr. King’s name and its emotional weight.
• Step 5: Ultimately moving the audience to
  • Connects positive emotions and outcomes with audience action.

Tips for Effective Commentary

• Constantly refer to assumptions, connotations, and the specific language of evidence.
• Repeat key phrases and ideas to reinforce arguments without being redundant.
• Practice is necessary to improve.

Conclusion

• Successful commentary ties evidence directly to the thesis and persuades the audience of the claim’s validity.
• Final body paragraph examples illustrate completed commentary in action.
• Encouragement to practice and utilize the resources provided (like and subscribe for more content).