Rhetorical Précis

Sentence One Write a sentence that contains Name of the author, genre, and title of text (give date published if you have it as well) A rhetorically accurate verb (“asserts,” “argues,” “implies,” “claims”) + a clause that states the major assertion of the text Sentence One

Example of Sentence One In his 2002 essay entitled “Don’t Blame the Eater,” David Zinczenko argues that fast food restaurants are contributing to the obesity epidemic because of their deceptive labeling and can expect to be sued by overweight customers. Example of Sentence One

Give an explanation of the evidence the author uses to develop or support his thesis. This sentence tells HOW the thesis is proven. Sentence Two

State the author’s purpose followed by an “in order” statement. Is the author trying to entertain you? Why? Persuade you to change your mind about an issue? Why? Trying to inform you about a particular issue? Why? Sentence Three

Describe the intended audience and the relationship the author establishes with his audience. To whom is the author speaking? Is the audience supportive, neutral, or hostile? How does the author use language to persuade the audience he has? Sentence Four