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The Structure of a Rhetorical Précis

Sentence 1 : Introduce the name of the author, the title of the work, and a rhetorically accurate verb that describes the intent of the author (“claims,” “argues,” “suggests); and a THAT clause containing the major assertion or controlling idea of the work.

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The Structure of a Rhetorical Précis

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  1. Sentence 1:Introduce the name of the author, the title of the work, and a rhetorically accurate verb that describes the intent of the author (“claims,” “argues,” “suggests); and a THAT clause containing the major assertion or controlling idea of the work. Sentence 2: Explain how the author supports or develops their argument. In other words, cite the kind of evidence or method the author uses to advance their claims rather than the details of the work. Sentence 3: State what you think the author’s purpose is including either in the beginning or at the end an “in order to” phrase. Sentence 4: Describe the intended audience and/or the relationship. The Structure of a Rhetorical Précis

  2. Sample From Margaret Woodworth “The Rhetorical Précis”: Sheridan Baker, in his essay "Attitudes" (1966), argues that writers' attitudes toward their subjects, their audiences, and themselves determine to a large extent the quality of their prose. Baker supports this argument by showing examples of how inappropriate attitudes can make writing unclear, pompous, or boring, concluding that a good writer "will be respectful toward his audience, considerate toward his readers, and somehow amiable toward human failings" (58).His purpose is to make his readers aware of the dangers of negative attitudes in order to help them become better writers. He establishes an informal relationship with his audience of college students who are interested in learning to write "with conviction" (55).

  3. Sample #2 In her article, "Who Cares if Johnny Can't Read?,” Larissa MacFarquhar asserts that Americans are reading more than ever despite claims to the contrary and that it is time to reconsider why we value reading so much, especially certain kinds of "high culture" reading. MacFarquhar supports her assertion about American reading habits with facts and statistics that compare past and present reading practices, and she challenges common assumptions by raising questions about reading's intrinsic value. Her purpose is to dispel certain myths about reading in order to raise new and more important questions about the value of reading and other media in our culture. She seems to have a young, hip, somewhat irreverent audience in mind because her tone is sarcastic, and she suggests that the ideas she opposes are old-fashioned positions.

  4. Template Sentence One In his/her ________ (type of work), “______________,” (title of work) _______________ (name of author) _______________ (a rhetorically accurate verb) that ________________________________ (the author’s assertion, argument, position, etc.). In her article,"Who Cares if Johnny Can't Read?,”Larissa MacFarquharassertsthatAmericans are reading more than ever despite claims to the contrary and that it is time to reconsider why we value reading so much, especially certain kinds of "high culture" reading.

  5. Template Sentence #2 _______________ (author’s last name) develops/supports this ___________ (change the rhetorical verb to noun) by/with ____________(reveal author’s technique). MacFarquharsupports her assertion about American reading habits with facts and statistics that compare past and present reading practices, and she challenges common assumptions by raising questions about reading's intrinsic value.

  6. Template Sentence #3 __________’s (author) purpose is to ___________(reveal author’s purpose) in order to________________(what author wants reading audience to react to, feel and/or do). Her purpose is to dispel certain myths about reading in order to raise new and more important questions about the value of reading and other media in our culture.

  7. Template Sentence #4 _________ (author) uses _________ (description of tone) with his/her _________ (describe author’s audience). Variation from template: She seems to have a young, hip, somewhat irreverent audience in mind because her tone is sarcastic, and she suggests that the ideas she opposes are old-fashioned positions. Follows template strictly: He establishes an informal relationship with his audience of college students who are interested in learning to write "with conviction" (55).

  8. #1. In his/her ________ (type of work), “______________” (title of work), _______________ (name of author) _______________ (a rhetorically accurate verb) that ________________________________ (the author’s assertion, argument, position, etc.). #2. _______________ (author’s last name) develops/supports this ___________ (change the rhetorical verb to noun) by/with ____________ (reveal author’s technique). #3. __________’s (author) purpose is to ___________ (reveal author’s purpose) in order to ________________ (what author wants reading audience to react to, feel, and/or do). #4. _________ (author) uses_________ (description of tone) with his/her _________ (describe author’s audience).

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