Outline of chapter one The Language of Composition

An Introduction to Rhetoric Using the “Available Means”

·      “Rhetoric is a thoughtful reflective activity leading to effective communication”

Key elements of Rhetoric

·    Always has an occasion (context) and a purpose (goal)

·    Some purposes are: win agreement, persuade, evoke sympathy, cause laughter, inform, provoke, celebrate… etc…

·    Although rhetoric is often used with deception it can also serve as sincerity

·    It (your writing) should have a clear and focused statement

The Rhetorical Triangle

·      Writers first choose a subject

·      Then study it and evaluate what you know about said subject, what other’s know, and what evidence you will need to develop your position

·      Pick your persona and stick to it.

·      Your persona depends on the context, purpose, subject, and audience.

·      Before you speak think about your audience: how they will react, what they know about the subject, how do they feel about the subject, and how will you convince them to listen to you

Appeal to Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

·      Ethos-Ethical appeal- the credibility of the speaker “often emphasize shared values between the speaker and audience” . This gives the audience a reason to listen.

·      Logos-Logical appeal - the reasoning or logic in the speaker’s argument. Having a clear main idea helps a lot. Acknowledging a counterargument and refuting it strengthens your Logos.

·      Pathos- Emotional appeal- Emotion of the speech (not necessarily the speaker’s) don’t use to much emotion, or else it turns into propaganda.

Visual Rhetoric

·      Visual rhetoric (such as political cartoons) is often satirical or sarcastic and critical

·      Sometimes they don’t use sarcasm or criticism

·      Visual Rhetoric uses Ethos, Logos, and Pathos as well.

An Example of Rhetoric from Literature

·      Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction.

Arrangement

·      When you write, consider how the essay and its individual paragraphs are arranged.

·      How the writing is structured depends upon the writers intended purpose and effect.

The Classical Model

·      The Introduction – piques the interest of the reader, Ethos is established

·      The Narration – factual information and background material on subject pathos is brought into play

·      The Confirmation – development of the proof needed This bolts the essay together. Appeal to Logos

·      The Refutation- addresses the counterargument. Continuation of Logos.

·      The Conclusion – wraps the text up. Ethos  and pathos are used. Your last words are those most likely to be remembered.

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Patterns of Development

Narration

·      Writers often use narration to start in on their topics. It provides a hook for the audience.

Description

·      Emphasizes the senses. It paints a vivid picture. It is used to establish mood.

Process Analysis

·      This explains how something works. It is clear, simple, and precise.

Exemplification

·      Provides examples. This turns a general idea into a concrete one.

Comparison and Contrast

·      We have been doing this since second grade.

·      Juxtaposing two subjects to define their similarities and differences

Classification and Division

·      It is important to be able to classify and sort material

·      This way you can group documents together and explain why

·      You place the essays into your own personal categories (ie political,  vs. religious)

Definition

·      Used to clarify a term

·      It is often one of the first steps in the debate process

·      Sometimes writers will use an excerpt to define something, or their entire essay

Cause and Effect

·      Cause and effect uses Logos (or crystal clear logic)

·      It is often a result of the question: why?