Visual Object

The purpose of this exercise in Argument is to evaluate Rhetorical

Argument, not from a written essay, to dissect the nature of Argument from
Toulim's components, but to identify the statement of persuasion as present
in a visual object. The key in understanding argument in the visual object is
to identify all the components in the object and explain their significance of
the message of the object.

Draft Essay One

The purpose of this draft is choose an object under investigation. In doing

so the student is to present a picture of the object, name it, like The Statue
of Liberty, The American Flag, Arkansas Hog, explain the major important
particulars in the image and tell us why you have chosen this object. The
length here is just one to one and half pages. Grading here is one 2 of the 10
total points, based on selection of image and brief explanation.

Draft Essay Two

The purpose of this draft is to expand on the first draft by identifying and
explaining the significance of each part (colors, people, relationships, angles,
positions, etc.) and how their relationships to each other constitute the
message. As a significant part of this essay, the audience is to identified
along with an explanation of the components of identification and symbol as
put forward by Burke. This essay draft should be 3-4 pages. Grading here
merits 3 of the 10 points for the project. 1 point for detail, 1 point for
identification discussion, and 1 point for writing particulars- style , grammar,
etc.

Draft Essay Three

This final draft build on the first two drafts, improving on the particulars of
those essays and then making a brief 3-5 minute presentation of the visual
argument to the class. This includes a 3-5 written paper and the public
presentation. Grade is 5 points of 10. 2 points on visual presentation clarity.
2 points on paper and its improvements form essay 2. 1 point for
demonstrated understanding of visual rhetoric in both the paper and the
essay.
Analysis Questions

1) What do you see: What is it? And describe in detail the object, so that the audience can see it
as well.2) What do you think when you see the object? What message does it communicate?
What in the object communicates the message?3) What is your emotional reaction to the
object? How does it make you feel? As a result of seeing the object, what is it telling you to do;
what it your reaction to that; what do you want to do?5)Summary: What is the message of the
object and how effectively does it convey that message?

Reading;

The chapter in the Ramage text, chapter 9, given explanation and visuals are highly
recommended for helpful instruction.