1. Rhetorical Precis

2. Definition
A highly structured four sentence paragraph that records the essential elements of a unit of spoken or written discourse, including the name of the speaker/writer, the context of the delivery, the major assertion, the mode of development and/or support, the stated an/or apparent purpose, and the relationship established between the speaker/writer and the audience.

3. Sentence #1 Name of author, [optional: a phrase describing author],
genre and title of work (date in parentheses; [additional publishing information in parentheses or note]);
a rhetorically accurate author verb (such as “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,” “imply,” “claim,” etc.);
and a THAT clause containing the major assertion (thesis statement) of the work

4. Sentence #1 Fill in the Blank
In his/her _____ (type of work), _____ (title of work[date in parenthesis]), author ______ (name of author) _____(a rhetorically accurate verb) that ___________________________________ (the author’s major assertion, i.e. thesis statement).

5. Sentence #2
An explanation of how the author develops and/or supports the thesis, usually in chronological order

6. Sentence #2 Fill in the Blank
_____ (the author) develops/supports this _____ (change rhetorical verb to noun) by _______________(reveal author’s techniques in chronological order using parallel structure: i.e. first,______(ing)________; second, _______(ing)_____; and finally, ______(ing)_______).

7. Sentence #3
A statement of the author’s apparent purpose (an infinitive phrase) followed by an “in order” phrase

8. Sentence #3
_____’s (author’s) purpose is to _____(reveal author’s purpose) in order to____________ (how author wants reading audience to react to: feel and/or do).

9. Sentence #4
A description of the intended audience and the relationship the author establishes with the audience

10. Sentence #4
_____ (author) uses _____ (description of tone) with his _____ (describe author’s audience—be as specific as possible).

11. Example Precis Sentence #1 Example #1
In his sarcastic criticism, “On Laziness” (1920), author Christopher Morley subtly contends that America has fallen victim to a hazardous bout of lethargy.

12. Sentence #1 Example #2
In his 911 Speech (2001), President George Bush claims that despite recent evil acts of terror, America is strong and ready to defend her ideals.

13. Example #1 Sentence #2
Morley first supports this criticism by identifying the “benefits” — or rather, the consequences — of laziness, his tone both satiric and artificially empathetic as he contrasts images of a “bustling man” with the idle tranquility of one who rather “hammered his laziness out of the stubborn material of life”, before then defining laziness itself, painting the picture of a once- assiduous poet and scholar turned indolent in the face of an endless and repetitive cycle of productivity; finally, Morley explains the social impact of laziness in society, alluding to the recently-ended World War I and employing a sardonic example of some unknown Dr. Johnson, made inconsequential in the course of history by his own laziness.

14. Example #2 Sentence #2
Bush defends this claim by describing the nature of the attacks, soothing Americans’ fears, outlining his strategic response, and affirming the desire for justice for the lives lost.

15. Example #1 Sentence #3
The author’s purpose is to delicately denounce the deplorable work ethic of the 20s in order to challenge his readers to be more constructive and hard-working.

16. Example #2 Sentence #3
His purpose is to ease America’s anxiety and inspire American nationalism, reminding us and the world that “[terrorist attacks] can shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”

17. Example #1 Sentence #4
Morley uses a lighthearted and near self- deprecating tone with his fellow inhabitants of the Jazz Age to both include himself in the essay and create a product relatable to anyone of the time.

18. Example #2 Sentence #4
Bush creates a patriotic tone with his American and global audience to convey his confidence on all American fronts: military, financial, federal, and civilian.