Here is, briefly, what standards I think you'll need to meet in order to present a good theoretically-oriented thesis to the Rhetoric department. Think of it as though you're advising a classroom full of mediocre or inconsistent writers you've offered to evaluate.
Style
1. Rehearse the Elements of Style and all the basic tenets any paper-grader will tell you, like--
2. Use proper grammar.
3. Use active, precise verbs.
4. Do not use nominalizations or long sentences unless you're introducing a concept that deserves such a term or can write long sentences very fluently.
5. Begin each paragraph with arguable, intriguing topic sentences and finish with a transitional sentence.
6. Stray from adjective noun constructions.
7. Vary sentence length and pay attention to sonorous elements, especially rhythm (which should be perfect) and alliteration (which should be rare).
Structure
1. Outline your paper so as to determine the proper relation between priority and sequence in your paragraphs and sentences before and after you write your draft.
2. Place special emphasis on a compelling but clear and not at all grandiose or obscure introductory and conclusive paragraph.
3. Read your paper aloud to someone so as to make sure nothing sounds obscure, pretentious, or really fucking stupid.
4. Aim to have a linear, logical progression to your argument, proceeding step-by-step, unless you mean for the reader to do some work to find the full import and force of your performative tweaks.
5. Present your argument in chapters and paragraphs of a digestible size.
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