210 Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

With any rhetorical analysis essay writing, effective communication is everything. If you’re a student or want to elevate your persuasive skills, learning how to engage your readers is the first step.

When it comes to selecting thought-provoking rhetorical analysis topics, where do you begin? This is where a wise companion in PapersOwl comes in handy. With this seasoned guide, you can easily navigate the complex world of rhetorical analysis. Until then, take a look at our extensive collection of topics that’ll get your creative juices flowing.

We have created a list of 210 essays that will inspire you to craft a powerful academic essay. These rhetorical analysis paper topics cater to all skill levels too.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

For example, a rhetorical paper looks at an influential political speech through purpose, key claims, and tone. In an essay, students cover by following a structured approach.

• Introduction. Students present the text, author, and thesis statement. These outline the main argument or points of the analysis.
• Main body paragraphs. These delve into specific strategies, appeals, and devices to support the analysis. Make your essay authentic by keeping it true to the facts.
• Conclusion. The end wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points. It will also discuss the effectiveness of the persuasive techniques.

How to Choose a Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topic?

Finding the right topic comes down to writing about something you’re familiar with. This is because you’ll need to showcase insightful analysis to write a rhetorical analysis essay successfully. The best way to do this is to make sure the rhetorical topics you pick are something you’re interested in.

Tip 1. Start by identifying the rhetorical situation essay topics that interest you. This will make background research and thematic analysis that much more enjoyable. Then ask yourself:

• What subjects or themes are intriguing for you to rhetorically analyze?
• Are there specific rhetorical analysis example topics in your field of study that you excel in or are passionate about?
• Have you studied similar subjects or texts in the past that might help your rhetorical analysis assignment ideas come to life?

Tip 2. Choose from rhetorical analysis ideas that match your interests and expertise. Select rhetoric research paper topics relevant to your course or subject area. And make sure there is enough information to write a defined argument. It needs to be complex enough to allow a thorough literary analysis of the themes and the most valuable rhetorical strategies.

Tip 3. Make sure the rhetorical analysis paper topic is suitable. It will need to meet the expectations of rhetorical analysis topics. This means highlighting the importance symbolism plays in the author’s message.

• Is there enough emotional depth and background research for you to work with?
• Can you cover the rhetorical situation within the word limit?
• Is it interesting enough to engage your reader?

Comparative Rhetorical Analysis Topics

Here, you’ll rhetorically analyze two texts by similarities, differences, and effectiveness. Sometimes, though, a critical eye is needed. This is when students seek a reputable analytical essay writing service like PapersOwl for help. Here you’ll find expert advice on the most effective academic writing so that you can study with peace of mind.

1. The Persuasive Techniques Used By Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X In Their Speeches.
2. Does Innovation Outweigh Invention?
3. Washington Vs. Lincoln.
4. What Is Better For The Economy: Traditional Postal Service Or Email?
5. The Persuasive Techniques Of Apple And Samsung In Advertisements.
6. The Persuasive Devices Of President Biden’s Speech Vs. President Obama’s Speech.
7. Classical Conditioning Or Operant Conditioning. Which Is More Practical?
8. The Art Of The Greeks And The Romans.
9. What Drives Business Growth In 2023. E-Commerce Or Traditional?
10. Education Or Life Without It?
11. The Use Of Persuasion In Barack Obama’s And Donald Trump’s Presidential Speeches.
12. Command Economy Or The Free Market.
13. Philosophy Vs. Religion.
14. Ethos, Pathos, And Logos In Op-Ed Articles By Conservative And Liberal Columnists.
15. Persuasive Techniques Used In Public Service Announcements On Smoking And Drug Abuse.

Rhetorical Analysis Ideas For High School Students

These easy rhetorical analysis topics encourage students to examine all forms of communication. A rhetorical analysis essay requires looking at written texts, acceptance speeches, or visuals.

It will also help you develop critical thinking skills by understanding how language is used to achieve a particular goal.

1. A Rhetorical Analysis On The Meaning Of Mona Lisa’s Smile.
2. How William Shakespeare Became Known As The Greatest Writer In The World.
3. The Final Speech Of Martin Luther King Jr.
4. The Reasons For WW2.
5. Novels And Movies About “Frankenstein”: Similarities And Differences.
6. The Impact Of Electronic Media On Culture.
7. Why Do Films And TV Fail to Capture The Full Essence Of The Books They Are Based On?
8. Heroism As Defined By J. K. Rowling And J. R. R. Tolkien.
9. A Detailed Analysis Of TV And Online Advertisement.
10. The Power Of Social Media: A Rhetoric Paper
11. How Sherlock Holmes Is Perceived On TV And Why Not Everyone Likes Him.
12. Why Do People Write Fan Fiction?
13. My School Principal’s Speech.
14. William Shakespeare’s “Romeo And Juliet”: An Analysis.
15. Why Are Dogs Known As “Man’s Best Friend”?

Rhetorical Analysis Topics for College Students

These detailed rhetorical analysis topics cover complex primary themes and issues. Through rhetorical analysis, college students learn how language sends a message.

You’ll also improve your own persuasive writing skills by looking at the different types of rhetorical analysis.

1. The Use Of Parallelism, Repetition, And Allusion In Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” Speech.
2. Do Women Or Men React Better To Media Advertisement Messages?
3. How Does Online Content Manipulate Persuasive Devices?
4. What Effect Does Music Have On Film And TV?
5. The Persuasive Devices Of The American National Anthem.
6. Symbolism In Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”.
7. How Syrian Politics Sparked War.
8. The Persuasive Techniques Used In A Popular Advertisement Or Commercial.
9. Why Are Ted Talks So Popular?
10. How Does An Influential Newspaper Editorial Manipulate Rhetoric Devices To Benefit Its Argument?
11. My Favorite Poem By William Shakespeare.
12. The Impact Of A Popular Social Media Influencer’s Posts Or Videos.
13. Rhetorical Devices In Famous Song Lyrics
14. The Use Of Metaphor In A Speech From Your School Director On Graduation Day.
15. The Effectiveness Of Rhetoric Devices In A Well-Known Op-Ed Or Opinion Piece.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Education

An essay topic on education looks at different forms of communication. You’ll analyze the author’s purpose, as well as their emotional appeal.

All while understanding the nuances of educational discussions and elevating your analytical skills.

1. Education System And Educational Technologies.
2. Importance Of Time Management Skills.
3. Integration Of America’s Public Schools.
4. Standardized Testing In Measuring Students’ Academic Performance.
5. A Detailed Analysis Essay On The “No Child Left Behind” Policy.
6. The Persuasive Techniques Used In Debates Surrounding Homeschooling Versus Traditional Schooling.
7. An Analysis Essay On The Proponents And Opponents Of School Vouchers.
8. The Language And Persuasive Strategies Used In Promoting Stem Education In Schools.
9. An Analysis Essay On Inclusive Education And Its Impact On Special Needs.
10. The Arguments For And Against Implementing Technology In The Classroom.
11. The Role Of Standardized Curricula In Fostering Critical Thinking And Creativity In Students.
12. Promoting Social-Emotional Learning In Schools.
13. The Role Of Teachers’ Unions In Shaping Educational Policies And Outcomes.
14. Examining Peer Research Papers On The Arguments For And Against Implementing School Uniforms.
15. How Policymakers Use Rhetorical Devices To Debate How Teachers’ Unions Shape Education.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Literature

Authors, poets, and playwrights use a variety of forms of communication in their literary works. Through them, you’ll learn how authors create meaningful literary pieces and gain an appreciation of novels rhetorical strategies.

1. Symbolism And Literary Devices In “The Lord Of The Rings” Trilogy.
2. The Significance Of Stream-Of-Consciousness Narrative Style In Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”.
3. The Literary Texts Of William Shakespeare.
4. Examine The Use Of Rhetorical Devices In A Famous Poem, Such As Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”.
5. What Does Solitude Symbolize In 21st-Century Literary Texts Compared To The 20th Century?
6. Analyzing The Persuasive Strategies Used By Simone De Beauvoir In “The Second Sex”.
7. A Detailed Analysis Essay On The Primary Themes Present In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”.
8. Different Rhetorical Devices In “The Bible”.
9. The Rhetoric Devices And Symbolism Of Stephen King.
10. The Power Of Symbolism And Metaphor In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”.
11. The Literary Devices Of “Pride And Prejudice” And How They’re Still Relevant Today.
12. Gender And Power In Jane Austen’s “Pride And Prejudice”.
13. Romanticism In William Wordsworth’s Poem “Tintern Abbey”.
14. How Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” Confronts Issues Of Racial Injustice
15. The Influence Of Gothic Elements In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” And “The Fall Of The House Of Usher”.

Rhetorical Analysis Topics List on Speeches

The speech topics for an analysis essay focus on analyzing the elements of a speech. You’ll go deep into the speaker’s choice of words, tone, delivery style, use of rhetorical devices, and the structure of the speech.

By evaluating these components, a detailed rhetorical analysis reveals the speaker’s underlying strategies. Then you can explain how the techniques engage, persuade, and inspire their target audience.

1. Rhetorical Analysis Of Barack Obama’s Victory Speech.
2. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Speeches By Greta Thunberg And David Attenborough.
3. The 1588 Speech By Queen Elizabeth on The Spanish Armada.
4. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Susan B. Anthony’s “On Women’s Right To Vote” Speech.
5. Commencement Speeches By Influential Figures Like Steve Jobs And Oprah Winfrey.
6. The Role Of Emotional Appeal In Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
7. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Winston Churchill In His “We Shall Fight On The Beaches” Speech.
8. An Examination Of Logos In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.
9. The Persuasive Power Of Repetition In The Famous “Yes We Can” Speech By Barack Obama.
10. How Rhetorical Devices Vary In Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk To Freedom” Speech.
11. The Effectiveness Of Analogy And Anecdote In Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address.
12. The Impact Of Tone And Pacing In George Washington’s Resignation Speech.
13. The Use Of Persuasive Strategies In Malcolm X’s “The Ballot Or The Bullet” Speech
14. The Effect Of Formal Or Informal Language In Speech Delivery.
15. The Impact Of Persuasive Techniques In Greta Thunberg’s “How Dare You” Speech At The United Nations Climate Action Summit.

Visual Rhetorical Essay Topics

Visual essays explore how the things we see persuade a target audience and evoke emotional responses. The things you’ll look at with visual analysis essay writing include color, layout, and concrete or abstract images. By doing so, you’ll learn how visual communication impacts our media-rich society.

1. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Use Of Color Symbolism In Political Campaign Posters.
2. The Impact Of Visual Metaphors In Advertising On Consumer Behavior.
3. The Role Of Typography And Font Choice In Conveying A Message In Graphic Design.
4. Examining The Use Of Pathos In Public Service Announcements Related To Climate Change.
5. The Persuasive Power Of Visual Storytelling In Documentary Films.
6. How Social Media Platforms Use Visuals To Shape User Behaviors And Opinions.
7. The Influence Of Iconic Photographs On Public Perception Of Historical Events.
8. A Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Memes And Their Role In Shaping Online Discourse.
9. Developing A Brand Identity Through Visual Symbols And Logos.
10. The Role Of Visual Composition In Enhancing The Persuasiveness Of Infographics.
11. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Impact Of Editorial Cartoons On Shaping Public Opinion.
12. How Visual Metaphors In Music Videos Influence Viewers’ Interpretations Of The Song.
13. The Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Visual Arts In The Streets.
14. How Visual Rhetorical Composition Is Used In Propaganda Posters To Evoke Nationalistic Emotions.
15. Visual Aesthetics in Aligning Branding With A Target Audience.

Topics for a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on Society

A rhetorical essay on society examines how language influences or critiques societal concerns. Through all types of media, you learn how certain strategies persuade or inform an audience about social issues.

1. Unconscious Racism And How It Affects People Of Color.
2. Racism And Shootings.
3. Why The Color Of Your Skin Does Not Matter.
4. The Biggest Problem In The United States Of America Is Illegal Immigrants.
5. The Problem Of Mass Shootings
6. Gun Violence.
7. The Role Of Persuasion In Environmental Activism And Climate Change Debates.’
8. A Rhetorical Analysis Paper On The Persuasive Techniques In Advertisements Targeting Societal Issues.
9. The Influence Of Celebrity Endorsements On Public Opinion And Social Issues.
10. The Language And Symbols Used In Anti-Bullying Campaigns.
11. A Rhetorical Analysis Paper On The LGBTQ+ Community.
12. Public Health Campaigns Addressing Mental Health Stigma.
13. A Detailed Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Discourse Surrounding The Legalization Of Marijuana.
14. The Power Of Language In Promoting Or Challenging Racial Stereotypes.
15. The Influence Of Rhetorical Devices In Attitudes Toward Wealth Inequality And Social Mobility.

Topics for Rhetorical Analysis Essay on a Person

An outstanding rhetorical analysis paper looks at persuasive strategies to understand the writer’s intention. These essays examine how someone uses language to shape public opinion or inspire change.

1. Nikola Tesla – The Inventor Behind It All.
2. Changes By Tupac.
3. President Donald Trump And His Politics.
4. About Fidel Castro.
5. How Steve Jobs Used Persuasive Strategies To Reinvent Apple And Inspire Consumer Loyalty.
6. The Distinct Rhetoric Of Greta Thunberg In Her Climate Change Activism.
7. Analyzing The Persuasive Techniques Of Elon Musk’s Public Presentations And Interviews.
8. The Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Susan B. Anthony’s Fight For Women’s Suffrage.
9. Do Abstract Images Matter? What Does Boo Radley Represent In “To Kill A Mockingbird”?
10. The Rhetorical Composition Of Malala Yousafzai In Her Advocacy For Girls’ Education.
11. Nelson Mandela’s Fight Against Apartheid.
12. Dissecting The Persuasive Strategies Of Adolf Hitler In His Propaganda Campaigns.
13. The Persuasive Techniques Employed By Mahatma Gandhi In His Fight For Indian Independence.
14. How Winston Churchill Inspired A Nation During World War 2.
15. Maya Angelou In Her Poems And Speeches: A Rhetorical Analysis Essay.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Philosophy

Philosophers use persuasive techniques, arguments, and linguistic choices in their rhetorical analysis essays to convey their ideas. It will be your job to define their impact by looking at how they engage and convince their readers.

You’ll learn how philosophical concepts are presented and articulated, and you’ll develop your analytical abilities.

1. The Calvinistic Doctrine Of Predestination.
2. The Use Of Persuasive Devices In Plato’s “Allegory Of The Cave”.
3. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Descartes’ “Cogito, Ergo Sum” Argument.
4. Persuasive Techniques Used By Immanuel Kant In His “Critique Of Pure Reason”.
5. A Linguistic Examination Of John Locke’s “A Rhetorical Essay Concerning Human Understanding”.
6. The Role Of Ethos, Logos, And Pathos In Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “The Social Contract”.
7. The Persuasive Strategies Of Friedrich Nietzsche In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”.
8. Analysis Of The Socratic Method In “Dialogues” By Plato.
9. Persuasive Language In John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty”.
10. Rhetorical Devices In “Leviathan” By Thomas Hobbes.
11. Metaphor And Symbolism In Søren Kierkegaard’s “Fear And Trembling”.
12. Linguistic Examination Of Martin Heidegger’s “Being And Time”.
13. The Persuasive Power Of Bertrand Russell’s “Why I Am Not A Christian”.
14. Analyze Main Rhetorical Devices In Ludwig Wittgenstein’s “Philosophical Investigations”.
15. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Language Of Metaphysics In George Berkeley’s “A Treatise Concerning The Principles Of Human Knowledge”.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on History

History essays examine and check historical speeches, texts, and events through the lens of expression.

These rhetorical analysis topics will have you studying the words of influential figures throughout history. And how their messages shaped public opinion through the power of language and persuasion.

1. The Civil War.
2. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The “Zimmermann Telegram” And Its Impact On World War I
3. The Debates Surrounding The U.S. Constitution.
4. American Revolution And The Declaration Of Independence.
5. Persuasive Techniques In The Abolitionist Movement
6. The Persuasive Power Of Queen Elizabeth I’s Speech To The Troops At Tilbury.
7. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” Pamphlet.
8. The Speeches Of Marcus Tullius Cicero And Their Impact On Roman Society.
9. Emancipation Proclamation. Analyzing Abraham Lincoln’s Use Of Diction.
10. Techniques Employed In The Women’s Suffrage Movement.
11. The Use Of Persuasive Expression In The Civil Rights Movement.
12. Wartime Propaganda Posters.
13. European Union Formation Through Written And Spoken Persuasive Techniques.
14. The Cuban Missile Crisis.
15. 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Business

The business rhetorical analysis examines how communication achieves specific goals. These rhetoric topics look at how marketing campaigns or business proposals affect society.

1. Disney Is Destroying Lives
2. Completely Legal For Walmart To Hire Many Part Time Workers
3. Brexit Bad For Business Ain’t It
4. Insights Into The Power Of Storytelling In Business Presentations.
5. Campaigns Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility Have Great Power
6. Rhetorical Strategies Used In Customer Testimonials And Reviews To Persuade Potential Clients.
7. The Persuasive Techniques Used By Businesses To Promote Environmentally-Friendly Practices.
8. How Spoken And Written Techniques Reinforce Or Challenge Traditional Gender Roles In The Workplace.
9. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On How Businesses Respond To Public Relations Disasters.
10. Exploring The Language That Conveys Corporate Values And Mission Statements.
11. The Impact Of Social Media Influencers On Business Promotion.
12. The Persuasive Techniques Used In “Shark Tank” Pitches And Startup Competitions.
13. Exploring The Strategies Used By Businesses To Regain Trust After Controversies Or Scandals.
14. From Commercials To Viral Ad Campaigns: How Advertising Works In 2023.
15. How Companies Persuade Other Organizations To Collaborate Or Form Partnerships.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Government

These rhetorical analysis topics cover political speeches to propaganda in policy documents.

You’ll learn how language and tone rally support for specific initiatives. As well as develop a deeper appreciation for this topic’s influence on political discourse.

1. What Does Change Mean In Us History?
2. United States Key Role In Support Of Human Rights.
3. Essay About Brown V. Board Of Education.
4. Police Brutality And Abuse Towards Blacks.
5. The Language And Communication Strategies Used In International Diplomacy.
6. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On Political Party Platforms And How They Attract Voters.
7. Shaping Public Opinion On Controversial Legislation.
8. A Global Village Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Success Or Failure Of Social Movements.
9. A Rhetoric Analysis Of The Impact Of Language In The Framing Of National Security Issues.
10. The Role Of Persuasion In The Portrayal Of Political Figures In The Media.
11. Examining The Language And Communication Strategies Used In Political Crisis Management.
12. Shaping Public Discourse On Controversial Topics Through Rhetorical Analysis.
13. Promoting Specific Government Policies Through Written And Spoken Strategy.
14. The Rhetorical Richness Of Visual Arts In Media.
15. The Use Of Emotional Appeals In Government Public Service Announcements.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics on Culture

Culture-specific rhetorical strategies contribute to the unique characteristics of different societies. And studying them encourages the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Through language, you will learn how cultural norms, values, and traditions are conveyed and reinforced.

1. Women And Men Pay Gap
2. Thinking Queerly: Race, Sex, Gender
3. Abortion Illegal
4. The Society Acceptance Of LGBT
5. A Rhetorical Analysis Essay On The Relationship Between Popular Culture And Consumer Behavior.
6. Cultural Festivals And Their Impact On Societal Values.
7. The Influence Of Social Media On The Evolution Of Cultural Trends.
8. Persuasive Language In Cultural Documentaries.
9. Literary Persuasion In The Promotion And Preservation Of Cultural Heritage.
10. Popular Art Criticism.
11. Cultural Stereotypes: Perceptions and Acceptances.
12. Language And Communication Strategies Used In Cultural Diplomacy.
13. Mainstream Media’s Representation Of Minority Cultures.
14. Language And Symbolism In Traditional Cultural Rituals.
15. Cultural And Artistic Movements Throughout History

Conclusion

Rhetorical analysis is a fascinating way to explore the power of language and persuasion. Understanding methods used to persuade and improve analytical skills is essential for students.

Luckily, there are 210 essay topics to select from here, so there is no shortage of good rhetorical analysis topics to explore.

From the speeches of world leaders to advertisements, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the art of persuasion. Furthermore, you learn how to use rhetorical devices to captivate audiences by analyzing popular media.