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!