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Latest Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for Students
We’ll start with easy rhetorical analysis essay topics for students. The topics below will help students develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to examine how different forms of communication aim to persuade or inform.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics Middle School
- Analyze the persuasive techniques in a popular song's lyrics.
- Explore how a famous advertisement uses emotional appeal to attract customers.
- Examine a book cover design and its effectiveness in conveying the story's theme.
- How does a political cartoon use humor to influence the audience's opinion?
- Investigate how a public service announcement persuades viewers to take action.
- What rhetorical strategies are used in a motivational speech delivered to students?
- Analyze a children's book and how it conveys moral lessons through storytelling.
- How do visuals in a social media campaign effectively target teenagers?
- Examine how a historical figure's speech influences public opinion.
- What role do rhetorical questions play in a popular blog post’s impact?
Rhetorical Essay Topics for High School
- Analyze how climate change activists use rhetorical strategies to appeal to different audiences.
- How does Nike’s "Just Do It" campaign use ethos, pathos, and logos to encourage consumers to buy their products?
- Examine the rhetorical tactics used in political debates to influence public opinion.
- Analyze the use of emotional appeals in anti-smoking advertisements.
- What rhetorical strategies make TED Talks so persuasive and engaging?
- Explore how social media influencers use rhetoric to shape the opinions of their followers.
- How do political speeches use rhetorical devices to manipulate emotions and build trust?
- Analyze how persuasive techniques are used in modern video game advertisements.
- What rhetorical strategies are used in school anti-bullying campaigns to promote empathy and awareness?
- How does the portrayal of gender roles in advertisements affect societal views?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics for College Students
- Analyze how political ads use rhetorical strategies to influence voters.
- How does the "Me Too" movement use rhetoric to raise awareness of harassment?
- Examine rhetorical devices in environmental documentaries promoting climate action.
- What strategies does "Black Lives Matter" use to advocate for social justice?
- How do celebrity endorsements influence public opinion in social justice campaigns?
- Analyze how companies use rhetoric in social media to build brand loyalty.
- How do news articles use rhetoric to shape political views?
- Examine the role of ethos in TED Talks about leadership.
- How does pathos drive donations in charity campaigns?
- Analyze how political cartoons use humor to address societal issues.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Education
- How does standardized testing shape students' learning experiences?
- Analyze the rhetoric of a TED Talk on modern education.
- How do school mission statements appeal to parents' emotions?
- The impact of persuasive language in anti-bullying campaigns.
- How does an educator's tone influence student engagement?
- What rhetorical strategies do college brochures use to attract students?
- Analyze the speech "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" by Sir Ken Robinson.
- How do online learning platforms persuade users of their effectiveness?
- What role does pathos play in arguments against student loan debt?
- How do graduation speeches inspire action and reflect on growth?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Prompts (AP Lang)
- Analyze how an influencer uses rhetorical appeals to promote a lifestyle brand.
- How does a news outlet use rhetoric to frame a political issue?
- Examine how an environmental activist uses ethos and pathos to promote climate action.
- What rhetorical devices are used in a music video to promote social change?
- Analyze the strategies used in a public health campaign to promote vaccinations.
- How does a political speech use rhetorical appeals to unite a divided audience?
- Examine the rhetorical choices in a corporate ad targeting young consumers.
- What role does rhetoric play in a viral post protesting systemic racism?
- Analyze the use of logos and pathos in an online petition for a social cause.
- How does a TED Talk persuade viewers on the importance of mental health?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Questions
- How does a charity’s website use rhetorical appeals to encourage donations?
- How does a specific political cartoon convey a message about current events?
- In what ways does a documentary filmmaker use rhetoric to present their argument?
- How does a popular podcast engage listeners through rhetorical techniques?
- What rhetorical devices are most effective in persuasive advertising campaigns?
- How does an editorial use rhetoric to influence public opinion on a controversial topic?
- In what ways does a historical speech use repetition to emphasize its message?
- How does a social media campaign utilize storytelling to connect with its audience?
- What role does visual rhetoric play in conveying messages in online articles?
- How does a public figure’s rhetoric change in response to audience feedback?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics by Subject Type
Now we will introduce you to rhetorical analysis essay topic examples for various subject types. These subject-based topics will help you focus on the rhetorical strategies that make each type of communication work effectively.
Rhetorical Analysis Paper Topics on Movies
- Analyze how The Social Dilemma critiques social media’s impact on society.
- How does Parasite use rhetoric to discuss class inequality?
- Examine the ethos in The Trial of the Chicago 7 to enhance credibility.
- What rhetorical strategies in Joker evoke empathy for the protagonist?
- How does Black Panther address African identity through rhetoric?
- Analyze the emotional appeals in Avengers: Endgame to create connection.
- How does The Farewell use rhetoric to highlight family and cultural values?
- What rhetorical tactics in 1917 create urgency and tension?
- How does A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood promote kindness through rhetoric?
- Analyze feminist rhetoric in Birds of Prey to empower female characters.
Speech Rhetorical Analysis Topics
- Analyze how Obama’s 2008 victory speech uses rhetorical appeals to inspire hope.
- How does Greta Thunberg’s UN speech use ethos and pathos to call for climate action?
- Examine the use of rhetorical strategies in Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech.
- What rhetorical techniques does Malala Yousafzai use to advocate for girls’ education?
- How does Elon Musk’s speech at the 2018 Tesla event use logos to promote innovation?
- What role does repetition play in Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration speech?
- How does Emma Watson’s speech at the UN use rhetoric to promote gender equality?
- How does JFK’s Inaugural Address use rhetorical devices to inspire national unity?
- What rhetorical strategies make Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement speech so memorable?
- How does Nelson Mandela’s Inaugural Address use rhetoric to promote forgiveness and unity?
Fictional Rhetorical Analysis Topics for Essay
- Analyze how The Hunger Games uses rhetorical strategies to portray rebellion.
- How does Harry Potter use rhetoric to explore themes of friendship and bravery?
- Examine the use of ethos in The Great Gatsby to build the narrator’s credibility.
- What rhetorical devices in To Kill a Mockingbird enhance its message on justice?
- How does 1984 use rhetoric to depict a dystopian society’s control over individuals?
- What role does symbolism play in The Catcher in the Rye to convey loneliness?
- How does The Road use rhetorical techniques to evoke survival and hope in a post-apocalyptic world?
- How does Anne Lamott use conversational tone and anecdotes to connect with readers in Travelling Mercies?
- How does Jane Austen use satire and irony to critique societal norms in Pride and Prejudice?
- What rhetorical strategies in The Alchemist promote the pursuit of dreams and personal growth?
Non-Fictional Rhetorical Analysis Topics
- Analyze how Michelle Obama’s Becoming uses personal stories to inspire.
- How does Outliers use statistics to explain success?
- Examine the rhetoric in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on ethics.
- What strategies does Between the World and Me use to discuss race?
- How does Sapiens use rhetoric to explore human evolution?
- What role does ethos play in An Inconvenient Truth to discuss climate change?
- How does Dare to Lead use storytelling to promote leadership?
- What strategies in Educated highlight personal growth?
- How does No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference create urgency?
- What rhetorical techniques in The Fire Next Time discuss race and identity?
Unique Literature Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
- Analyze how The Night Circus uses descriptive language to evoke mystery.
- How does The Song of Achilles use pathos to explore love and loss?
- Analyzing the role of irony and metaphor in shaping the themes of 1984?
- What role does symbolism play in The Invisible Man to address identity?
- How does The Ocean Vuong use rhetoric to discuss trauma and healing?
- How does William Shakespeare use rhetorical devices in Julius Caesar to explore themes of power and betrayal?
- How does A Little Life evoke empathy through its depiction of trauma?
- What strategies in The Nickel Boys highlight systemic injustice?
- How does Normal People use rhetoric to analyze relationships and identity?
- What rhetorical devices in The Goldfinch enhance its themes of art and loss?
Visual Rhetorical Essay Topics
- Analyze how Nike’s “Just Do It” ad uses visual rhetoric to promote motivation.
- How does the visual design of Instagram influence social media culture?
- Examine the use of color in The Great Gatsby movie posters to evoke emotion.
- What visual strategies are used in Apple's marketing to create a premium brand image?
- How does the layout of a TED Talk poster reflect its theme of innovation?
- What role does symbolism play in the visuals of Black Lives Matter protests?
- How does a political campaign ad use visual elements to sway public opinion?
- How does the visual rhetoric of video game covers attract target audiences?
- What visual strategies does The Hunger Games movie poster use to depict rebellion?
- How does the design of environmental posters create urgency around climate change?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Society
- Analyze how the #MeToo movement uses social media to amplify voices.
- How does Black Mirror critique modern society with its dystopian narratives?
- Examine how The Feminine Mystique uses rhetoric to discuss gender roles.
- What rhetorical strategies does The Omnivore's Dilemma use to explore food politics?
- How does The 1619 Project use historical context to address systemic racism?
- What visual rhetoric in Crisis in the Red Zone highlights public health issues?
- How does The Road use symbolism to critique societal breakdown?
- What rhetorical devices in Capital in the Twenty-First Century reveal wealth inequality?
- How does The Immigrant Experience use pathos to discuss refugee struggles?
- What rhetorical strategies in The Future of Work explore technology’s role in society?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Business
- Analyze the rhetorical strategies in a company’s brand slogan.
- Explore how a corporate advertisement appeals to consumers’ emotions.
- Examine the use of ethos in a CEO’s annual report to shareholders.
- How does a product’s packaging influence consumer purchasing decisions?
- Investigate the persuasive techniques in a corporate social responsibility campaign.
- How do business presentations use visuals to persuade potential investors?
- Analyze the rhetoric of a successful e-commerce website’s homepage.
- What role does storytelling play in a company’s marketing strategy?
- Examine the effectiveness of a company’s customer review response strategy.
- How do business leaders use rhetorical questions in keynote speeches to engage their audience?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Advertisements
- How does Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign motivate action?
- Analyze the rhetoric behind Coca-Cola’s holiday ads.
- What role does emotional appeal play in anti-smoking campaigns?
- How do Super Bowl ads create lasting impressions?
- Analyze the rhetoric in a popular social media influencer’s brand pitch.
- How do charity ads use pathos to encourage donations?
- What rhetorical techniques make Apple’s ads so iconic?
- How does the humor in Geico ads increase their effectiveness?
- Analyze the storytelling in Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign.
- How do car commercials use ethos to build trust in their products?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Philosophy
- Analyze how The Republic uses dialogue to explore justice.
- How does Sophie’s World make complex ideas accessible to readers?
- Examine the rhetoric in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius on self-reflection.
- What persuasive techniques does The Myth of Sisyphus use to discuss absurdity?
- How does Nicomachean Ethics use examples to illustrate moral virtue?
- What rhetorical strategies in Being and Time reveal the nature of existence?
- How does The Tao Te Ching use metaphors to convey philosophical ideas?
- What role does rhetoric play in The Second Sex in discussing gender identity?
- How does The Structure of Scientific Revolutions argue for paradigm shifts?
- What rhetorical devices in Simulacra and Simulation challenge perceptions of reality?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on History
- Analyze how The Civil War uses visuals to tell its story.
- How does A People’s History challenge mainstream views?
- Examine the rhetorical strategies in The Diary of Anne Frank.
- What techniques in The History of Sexuality address power?
- How does The Silk Roads link cultures through history?
- What strategies in Sapiens reshape human history?
- How does Guns, Germs, and Steel discuss environmental impact?
- What role does rhetoric play in The Origins of Totalitarianism?
- How does The Feminine Mystique frame women’s roles in history?
- What techniques in The Cold War documentary shape perceptions?
Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Culture
- How does The Culture of Fear use rhetoric to discuss modern anxieties?
- Analyze how Americanah portrays identity and culture through narrative.
- What rhetorical strategies in Culture and Imperialism examine colonialism?
- How does The Power of Habit connect culture and behavior?
- What persuasive techniques in The End of History reflect cultural shifts?
- How does The Rise of Populism use rhetoric to address cultural divides?
- What role does culture play in The Revolution Will Be Digitized?
- How does The Death of Expertise use rhetoric to critique intellectual culture?
- What rhetorical strategies in The Immortalists explore cultural notions of fate?
- How does Rethinking Cultural Politics argue for change in contemporary society?
Rhetorical Analysis Topic Ideas by Essay Type
Let's look at how to analyze rhetoric in different types of essays. Each essay type has its own approach, so choosing the right topic can help you focus on the specific techniques you need to analyze.
Following are plenty of good rhetorical analysis essay topics by different essay types.
Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
- Compare the rhetoric in The Handmaid’s Tale and Brave New World on societal control.
- How do The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men portray the American Dream?
- Compare the use of imagery in The Road and Life As We Knew It.
- How does The Catcher in the Rye differ from The Bell Jar in addressing mental health?
- Compare the rhetorical strategies in 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 on censorship.
- How do The Hunger Games and Battle Royale differ in their depiction of survival?
- Compare the rhetoric of The Social Network and Jobs on entrepreneurship.
- How does The Great Gatsby compare to The Sun Also Rises on post-war disillusionment?
- Compare The Road and Never Let Me Go in their portrayal of loss.
- How do To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman address racial justice?
Argumentative Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
- What rhetorical devices are most effective in gun control debates?
- How does #MeToo rhetoric reshape conversations about consent?
- What arguments do pro-choice and pro-life advocates use in their rhetoric?
- How does rhetoric in social media activism impact public opinion?
- What strategies do political speeches use to mobilize voters?
- How does Donald Trump use repetition and rhetorical questions to strengthen his arguments in campaign speeches?
- What role does rhetoric play in shaping views on immigration policy?
- How does Black Lives Matter rhetoric challenge systemic racism?
- Analyze the effectiveness of climate change campaigns in raising awareness.
- What persuasive techniques are used in advertisements for fast fashion?
Expert Tip
If you're looking for more great ideas to help you build strong arguments, check out our blog on argumentative essay topics for inspiration.
Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Middle School
- How does The Great Gatsby use symbolism to explore the American Dream?
- What does Beloved reveal about the legacy of slavery on identity?
- How does 1984 depict the relationship between power and language?
- The Night Circus explores fate vs. free will through magic.
- Little Fires Everywhere shows how family shapes identity.
- The Silent Patient uses unreliable narration to build suspense.
- Normal People and Eleanor Oliphant challenge gender roles.
- The Remains of the Day highlights regret through memory.
- The Underground Railroad portrays freedom as a personal journey.
- Circe reimagines myths to explore power and transformation.
Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay on a Person
- How does Martin Luther King Jr. inspire hope in "I Have a Dream"?
- Analyze Michelle Obama’s persuasive strategies in her speeches.
- What rhetorical tools does Elon Musk use to pitch innovative ideas?
- How does Malala Yousafzai create a global call for education equality?
- Analyze the rhetoric of Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes speech.
- How does Greta Thunberg motivate climate action through her words?
- What makes Barack Obama’s farewell address emotionally impactful?
- How does Steve Jobs use rhetoric in his Stanford commencement address?
- What rhetorical techniques define Maya Angelou’s speeches on equality?
- How does Serena Williams challenge stereotypes in her public addresses?
Fun & Interesting Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics
- How do comedians use satire to address serious issues?
- Analyze how the phrase "prepared to die" evokes pathos and creates dramatic tension in cinematic dialogues.
- How does a favorite childhood book teach life lessons through rhetoric?
- What makes memes a powerful tool for social commentary?
- How do Pixar movies evoke emotions through storytelling?
- Analyze a viral YouTube ad: Why does it stick in your mind?
- How does irony enhance the appeal of The Onion’s articles?
- What rhetorical strategies make stand-up comedians relatable?
- How do superhero movies inspire audiences with their speeches?
- Analyze the humor in an iconic late-night show monologue.
Expert Tip: Need help with writing your rhetorical essay? Be sure to check out our rhetorical analysis essay examples blog to get hands-on experience from practical examples!
How to Choose a Good Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic
Choosing a rhetorical analysis essay topic is important because it sets the stage for your whole essay. Here are some simple tips to help you pick a great one:
- Pick Something You Care About: It’s easier to write about an essay topic you’re interested in. Whether it’s a popular song, a famous speech, or a viral ad, choose something that grabs your attention.
- Look for a Clear Message: Make sure the topic has a message that’s easy to identify. It should be something that you can clearly analyze, like a commercial trying to sell a product or a speech trying to convince people of an idea.
- Check for Strong Rhetorical Techniques: Good topics to write a rhetorical analysis essay on should have clear examples of ethos, pathos, and logos. These are the tools used to persuade an audience, so make sure your topic has plenty to analyze.
- Pick Something Relevant: If the topic is something people are talking about right now, it’ll make your essay more engaging. Think about current events, popular media, or issues that are in the spotlight.
- Consider the Audience: Think about who the original message was aimed at. This will help you understand how the author or creator used certain strategies to connect with that audience.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to choose a topic that’s both interesting and easy to analyze.
Wrap Up!
To tie things up, picking the right rhetorical analysis essay topic is essential for writing a strong and thoughtful paper. The topic you choose sets the stage for your analysis.
This blog has given you a variety of topics to get started with, helping you find something that interests you and makes your analysis easier. We also helped you with choosing a topic that resonates with your interests.
If you need a bit more help or guidance, don't forget that expert help is just a click away. With a paper writing service like MyPerfectPaper.net, you can get the support you need to craft a standout essay. Happy writing!
