Rhetorical Analysis Of Recommendation Letter

In order to become accepted into any academic establishment, one must endure competition against other students. For several students, their acceptance could rely solely on a recommendation letter from a trusted supervisor. Kurt Olson, an AP Language and Composition instructor, effectively composed a letter for his former student and Teacher’s Assistant, Green Choi. With the intention of creating an effective letter of recommendation, Olson strategically structures the rhetoric of the letter by first appealing logic, followed by establishing credibility, and concluding with appeals to emotion. By utilizing the appeals in this specific order, the content of the letter is enhanced and impactful for the reader.
The letter commences with an appeal
Located within the second paragraph, Olson refers to Choi as a “paraprofessional”, a title that signifies one’s prominent skill in the english department. This title establishes credibility for Choi as a student who is recognizably skilled in language and composition, and a student who is trusted well enough to assist a professional on a similar level. Olson also ensures that the readers are able to comprehend the certain tasks that Choi was assigned to as a TA, which required great work and effort unlike the tasks of several other TAs: “...I tell them that they will be working, that they won’t have much opportunity to do homework, and that they will be sometimes up to their necks in grading.” The parallel structure situated within this quote depicts that Choi’s decision to become a TA was not to avoid work, but to apply his skill as a paraprofessional through grading. Through the establishment of credibility, Olson proves to the readers that Choi was a dutiful Teacher’s Assistant which showcased his selflessness to assist and tutor other
As Olson opens up the letter with appeals to logic, it displays to the readers that Choi’s academic excellence undeniably outranks those of his peers. Following that, the establishment of credibility for Choi as a dutiful individual and TA showcases Choi’s determination and consistency in his work. Olson concludes the letter with appeals to emotion in order to share Choi’s service to his community, and to leave readers with the notion of Choi’s willingness to give back. These prominent characteristics are desirable attributes to college campuses of any prestige, and Olson effectively utilizes Choi’s attributes within the letter of recommendation. This rhetorical structure enhances the content of the letter in which almost guarantees Choi as the ideal student to the college of his choice, which is essential in displaying content to the highest