The Five Canons of Rhetoric

1. Invention: Brainstorm/Pre-write

2. Arrangement: Particular order, a set pattern.

3. Style: Grammatically correct, clear and appropriate for their subject and audience.

4. Examples: Every anecdote/fact/allusion comes from memory, or that which you have learned.

5. Delivery: Essay (non-negotiable)

The Open Prompt: Rogerian Argument

• Introduce the Issue

• Summary of Opposing View

• Statement of Understanding and Exploration of Common Ground

• Establish Position with Contexts and Conditions

• Statement of Context

• Statement of Benefits and Conclusion

Introduce the Issue

• Presenting your issue as objectively and fairly as possible– Providing any necessary background,

definition or history– Avoid inflammatory or judgmental terms

Summary of Opposing Views

• Acknowledging the opposition– Gives value– Shows neither side is 100% correct

• (similar to a concession- Toulmin)

Statement of Understanding and Exploration of Common Ground

• Begin by assuming your reader disagrees

• Perhaps try restating points of view to focus on the similarities

• State the opposing points of view fairly and objectively: respect!

Establish Position with Contexts and Conditions

• In the body the writer gives an objective statement about their position– Avoid loaded/aggressive language

• Explain the contexts where your position is valid, and explores how it differs from the opposition– Gun registration example

Statement of Context

• Similar to the statement of understanding in which you describe situations in which you would share the oppositions point of view

Statement of Benefits and Conclusion

• You finally present your thesis!• Phrased in a way that shows your reader

that you’ve made some concessions toward the oppositional position– As you concede, it invites the audience to

concede as well

• Can ask yourself if you’ve offered a solution that encourages cooperation and compromise