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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 Rhetoric.
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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 Rhetoric • context- the occasion or time and place of writing • purpose- the goal that the speaker wants to achieve • thesis/claim/assertion – clear focused statement (main idea) • subject – topic • speaker – the persona • audience
“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/Logos Ethos Logos • Character • Speakers are trustworthy and credible • Reputation is important • The speakers expertise, knowledge, training and sincerity give a reason for listening • Reason • Clear main ideas, specific details, facts, and data • Counterarguments- anticipate the other side or opposing views • Concede when you have to • Refute when necessary
Cont’d Pathos • Emotion • Appeals to the emotional perspective • Engages the emotions of the audience • Figurative language and personal anecdotes • If pathos is only used the argument is weak
Arrangement • Arrangement is how a piece is organized • Writers structure their essays to their purpose and effect • There will always be a beginning/middle/end The Classic Model Intro Narration Confirmation Refutation
The Classical Model Intro – introduces the reader to the subject Narration- provides factual information and background material Confirmation- major part of the text/details Refutation- addresses the counterargument Conclusion – brings the essay to a satisfying close
Patterns of Development • Another 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. • Narration • Description • Process Analysis • Exemplification • Comparison Contrast • Classification and Division • Definition • Cause and Effect
Patterns of Development Narration Description • Refers 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 details • Emphasizes painting a picture • Establishes mood or atmosphere • Asking readers to see what you see and feel
Patterns of Development Process Analysis Exemplification • Explains how something works or how to do something • The key here is clarity • It 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 Development Comparison 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 Development Definition Cause of Effect • Defining 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!