1. An Introduction to Rhetoric: Using the Available Means
Chapter 1
The Language of Composition
Created by: Stephanie Woit

2. Definition
“the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion” ~ Aristotle

3. 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

4. “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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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!