Noah Dahl

Period 1
Rhetorical Analysis Essay

In persuasive writing and speaking advances the progress towards social justice
and equality because it shows ethos, pathos, and logos meaning they are showing
emotion, credibility, and logic. The purpose of Letter from Birmingham jail was to end
segregation. The purpose of A Genetics of Justice was to speak up against injustice.
The purpose of U.N. Youth Assembly Speech was to speak out that every child should
receive an education. In the Letter from Birmingham jail, A Genetics of Justice, and U.N.
Youth Assembly speech all use ethos, pathos, and logos to conclude to their purpose. I
believe that Letter from Birmingham jail does the best job of advancing its purpose.
Dr.King's purpose of the letter from Birmingham jail was to end segregation.
Dr.King tells us how mistreated they were by even the police force. In the text it states “I
don't believe you would have so warmly commanded the police force if you had seen its
angry violent dogs literally biting six unarmed, nonviolent Negros.” Dr.King makes us
feel bad for what has happened to these poor people who can't do anything. Dr.King
explains to us how he is serving as the president of the church that he goes to. In the
text it says “I have the honor of serving as president of the southern christian leadership
conference…” It makes him credible so that people would believe him more than
someone who wasn't. He persuades his audience that he needs to be in birmingham so
that he can end the problem of segregation. He was very credible too which helped him
out a lot in his speech.
Alvarez’s purpose of A Genetics of Justice was to speak up against injustice.
Alvarez tells us about how thousands of people lost their lives to return to the country to
democracy. In the text it says “Thousands had lost their lives in failed attempts to return
the country to democracy.” Alvarez gives us facts about what is happening that is
wrong. Alvarez tells us about how her parents were to scared to say anything about the
situation. In the text it states “... her parents were to afraid to say anything.” It makes
people think about her situation that her parents were in grabbing their attention making
them feel bad for her parents. Alvarez was successful in helping trying to end it. She
uses a lot of pathos getting hold of people's emotions.
Malala’s purpose of U.N. Youth Assembly speech was to help get every child an
education. Malala tells us how she got shot in the head. In the text it states “ the taliban
shot me on the left side of my forehead.” Malala makes her audience feel bad for her
experience. It shows a high level of determination. Malala tells us about the thousands
of people that got killed because they were trying to get an education. “Thousands of
people have been killed by the terrorists.” She gives us facts about the situation hoping
we will listen to her. She speaks up even after they try to keep her quite. Malala was
successful in speaking up against this group. It made people feel bad for her and want
to help her achieve her goal.
Dr.KIng used the best rhetoric to advance his purpose because he was a big
help in ending segregation. Alvarez could improve by having more credibility instead of
using so much pathos.They are all successful at demonstrating persuasive writing and
speaking advance the progress towards social justice and equality. They all use ethos,
pathos, and logos to further their arguments.