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An Introduction to Rhetoric: Using the Available Means
Chapter 1 The Language of Composition
Created by: Stephanie Woit
Definition“the faculty of
observing in any given case the available means of persuasion” ~ Aristotle
Key Elements of Rhetoriccontext- the occasion or time and place
of writingpurpose- the goal that the speaker
wants to achievethesis/claim/assertion – clear focused
statement (main idea)subject – topic speaker – the personaaudience
“After analyzing relationship of speaker to subject, audience to speaker, and audience to subject the writer is ready to strategize. One way is to make appeals.” (4)
Ethos/ Pathos/LogosEthos LogosCharacterSpeakers are
trustworthy and credibleReputation is important The speakers expertise,
knowledge, training and sincerity give a reason for listening
ReasonClear main ideas,
specific details, facts, and data
Counterarguments- anticipate the other side or opposing views
Concede when you have to
Refute when necessary
Cont’dPathosEmotionAppeals to the emotional
perspectiveEngages the emotions of
the audienceFigurative language and
personal anecdotesIf pathos is only used the
argument is weak
ArrangementArrangement is how a piece is organizedWriters structure their essays to their
purpose and effectThere will always be a beginning/middle/end
The Classic ModelIntro
NarrationConfirmation
Refutation
The Classical ModelIntro – introduces the reader to the subjectNarration- provides factual information and
background materialConfirmation- major part of the text/detailsRefutation- addresses the counterargumentConclusion – brings the essay to a satisfying
close
Patterns of DevelopmentAnother way to
consider arrangement is according to purpose . These patterns suggest a method of organization or arrangement. They include logical ways to organize an entire text.
NarrationDescriptionProcess AnalysisExemplificationComparison
ContrastClassification and
DivisionDefinitionCause and Effect
Patterns of DevelopmentNarration DescriptionRefers to telling a story
or recounting a series of events
Based on personal experience or observation
Chronology Concrete details Crafting a story that
supports your thesis
Includes specific detailsEmphasizes painting a
pictureEstablishes mood or
atmosphereAsking readers to see
what you see and feel
Patterns of DevelopmentProcess Analysis ExemplificationExplains how something
works or how to do something
The key here is clarityIt must be logical and
sequential Done in steps or stages
Provides a series of examples-facts, specific cases or instances
A series of examples are used to illustrate a point
Examples leads to a general conclusion
Patterns of DevelopmentComparison and Contrast
Classification and Division
Juxtaposing two things to highlight their similarities and differences
Used to analyze information carefully, which often reveals insight into the nature of what is being analyzed
Organized subject by subject or point by point
Answers the questions of what goes together and why
Connections between things that might otherwise seem unrelated
Patterns of DevelopmentDefinition Cause of EffectDefining a term is often
the first step in a debate or agreement
Clarifies terms and defines
Analyzes the causes that lead to a certain effect or, conversely, the effects that result from a cause is a powerful foundation for argument
Since casual analysis depends upon crystal clear logic it is important to trace the train of cause and effect
What Happens when Rhetoric Misses the Mark?
Not every attempt at rhetoric hits the mark
Sometimes the writer does not understand the audience
Consider all the components and make sure to hit ‘em!