Notes on "An Introduction to Rhetoric"

An Example of Rhetoric from Literature

• Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction
• Other forms of writing use it : poetry, fiction, dram.

Arrangement

• element of rhetoric - organization of a piece a.k.a. arrangement
• always consider how the paragraphs are arranged
• arguement within the essay depends on intended purpose and effect

The Classical Model

• introduction - gets audience's attention - writer often establishes ethos
• narration - factual information - background material - appeals to pathos - evokes emotional response about the importance of an issue
• confirmation - important part of the text - proof - most specific and concrete details - appeals to logos
• refutation - counterargument - appeals to logos
• conclusion - one or several paragraphs - satisfying close - appeals to pathos but reminds of ethos used prior - brings all the writer's ideas together

Not by Math Alone

• Sandra Day O'Connor follows classical model
• first two paragraphs = intro to main idea
• paragraphs 3 to 6 = background information; facts; includes definitions
• paragraphs 7 to 12 = bulk of the arguement; reasons and examples
• paragraph 13 = briefly addresses a major objection
• final paragraph = emphasizes the importance of a democracy

Patterns of Development

• arangement = according to purpose
• compare or contrast ?
• ways to organize a text

Narration

• narration = recounting series of events
• personal experience/ knowledge
• appealing story
• story that supports thesis
• narration = a way to enter into topics

Description

• allied with narration. why? many specific details
• description emphasizes senses : how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes or feels
• establish a mood or atmosphere
• description can make writing more persuasive

Process Analysis

• how something works; how to do something; how something was done
• key to success = clarity
• explain subject clearly and logically

Exemplification

• series of examples: facts, specific cases, instances
• makes arguement clearer and more persuasive
• Aristotle - induction: series of specific examples leads to a general conclusion

Comparison and Contrast

• juxtaposing two things to highlight their similarities and differences
• analyze information carefully
• often required in examinations

Classification and Division

• ability to sort material/ ideas into major categories
• question to ask oneself : what goes together and why ?
• develop own categories
• breaking down larger ideas into parts

Definition

• often first step in a debate or disagreement
• clarifying terms
• an essay may contain one or two paragraphs on a single defintion or the entire essay may be to establish a definition

Cause and Effect

• causes that lead to a certain effect OR effects that result from a cause
• be able to recognize possible contributing causes
• don't want to jump to conclusions