Sample Rhetorical Evaluation Argument Essay: MLK’s “I Have a Dream”

Below is a sample outline and a well-developed rhetorical evaluation argument essay in MLA titled “Analyzing Persuasive Power: A Rhetorical Evaluation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech.” This sample is intended to help college students write better essays.

Rhetorical Evaluation Argument Essay: “I Have a Dream”

Sample Rhetorical Evaluation Argument Essay Outline: MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

1. Introduction:
   1. Begin with a compelling hook or attention-grabbing statement to engage the reader (e.g., “Imagine a future where clean and limitless energy powers our homes and cities.”)
   2. Introduce the topic and the evaluation criteria: The speech will be evaluated based on its effective use of ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos.
   3. Present the thesis statement: “Martin Luther King Jr. effectively employs persuasive techniques in his speech to inspire, engage, and mobilize his audience towards the pursuit of racial equality.”
2. Main Point 1 – Ethos: Establishing Credibility and Trust
   1. Topic Sentence: Martin Luther King Jr. establishes his credibility as a speaker through his background and involvement in the civil rights movement.
   2. Evidence and Reasoning:
      • Quote: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'”
      • Explanation: By referencing the Constitution and American ideals, King aligns himself with the principles valued by the audience, establishing credibility and trust.
   3. Counterargument and Refutation:
      • Counterargument: Some may argue that King’s background alone is not enough to establish credibility.
      • Refutation: However, King’s extensive involvement in the civil rights movement and his reputation as a leader in the fight for equality lend weight to his words, garnering trust from the audience.
3. Main Point 2 – Logos: Appeal to Logic and Reasoning
   1. Topic Sentence: Martin Luther King Jr. employs logical arguments in his speech to support his claims.
   2. Evidence and Reasoning:
      • Quote: “We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.”
      • Explanation: By providing specific examples of injustice, King appeals to the audience’s sense of reason, using evidence to support his claim for the need for change.
   3. Counterargument and Refutation:
      • Counterargument: Skeptics may question the effectiveness of logical arguments alone in swaying emotions.
      • Refutation: While logic alone may not be sufficient, King strategically combines logical reasoning with emotional appeals to create a more compelling and persuasive argument.
4. Main Point 3 – Pathos: Appeal to Emotions
   1. Topic Sentence: Martin Luther King Jr. effectively appeals to the emotions of his audience through vivid imagery and metaphors.
   2. Evidence and Reasoning:
      • Quote: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
      • Explanation: By painting a powerful picture of a future free from racial discrimination, King taps into the audience’s emotions and desires for a better world.
   3. Counterargument and Refutation:
      • Counterargument: Critics may argue that emotional appeals lack substance and are manipulative.
      • Refutation: However, emotions play a crucial role in inspiring action and mobilizing individuals towards a collective cause, making King’s use of pathos essential in achieving his persuasive goals.
5. Main Point 4 – Kairos: Adapting to the Moment
   1. Topic Sentence: Martin Luther King Jr. effectively capitalizes on the historical context and audience’s mood to deliver a powerful speech.
   2. Evidence and Reasoning:
      • Quote: “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.”
      • Explanation: By acknowledging the urgency of the moment, King aligns his speech with the prevailing sentiments of the Civil Rights Movement, fostering a sense of collective action and purpose.
   3. Counterargument and Refutation:
      • Counterargument: Critics may argue that King’s appeal to the current moment could be seen as opportunistic or manipulative.
      • Refutation: However, King’s recognition of the historical context and the pressing need for change demonstrates his genuine understanding of the movement’s momentum and the necessity of seizing the moment for progress.
6. Main Point 5 – Overall Effectiveness
   1. Topic Sentence: The “I Have a Dream” speech successfully employs persuasive techniques to inspire and mobilize the audience towards the pursuit of racial equality.
   2. Evidence and Reasoning:
      • Quote: “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.”
      • Explanation: King’s skillful use of persuasive techniques, such as ethos, logos, pathos, and kairos, collectively creates an impactful and resonant speech that resonates with the audience long after it was delivered.
   3. Counterargument and Refutation:
      • Counterargument: Some may argue that the speech’s effectiveness is subjective and dependent on individual perspectives.
      • Refutation: While perceptions may vary, the enduring significance of the “I Have a Dream” speech and its influence on the civil rights movement and subsequent social progress attest to its effectiveness in inspiring change.
7. Conclusion
   1. Restate the thesis statement, emphasizing the effectiveness of King’s persuasive strategies.
   2. Summarize the main points discussed in the essay, highlighting the persuasive techniques used in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
   3. Conclude with a reflection on the enduring impact of the speech in advancing the pursuit of racial equality and the power of persuasive rhetoric in effecting social change.

Remember, an evaluative argument essay involves critically assessing a subject or topic, presenting a judgment or evaluation, and supporting it with evidence, reasoning, and criteria for evaluation. The goal is to persuade the reader of the validity and strength of the evaluation through a well-structured and persuasive argument.

The writer begins by introducing the subject or topic being evaluated and presenting a clear thesis statement that states their judgment or evaluation. The essay then provides evidence and reasoning to support the evaluation, often using specific criteria or standards for assessment. The essay concludes by summarizing the main points and restating the evaluation, reinforcing the position taken and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.