“Everything’s REALLY an Argument”

The Foundation of Rhetoric/ Rhetorical Analysis

“If you cannot write well, you cannot think well, and if you cannot think well, others will do your thinking for you.”

                     ~George Orwell

What is rhetoric?

Rhetoric:  The artful use of resources of language to create an effect

To Aristotle: Rhetoric is the proper use of language and logic to lay out a case persuasively or to refute a position convincingly.

Quintillian:  "Rhetoric is the art of speaking well." Francis Bacon: “The duty and office of rhetoric is

to apply reason to imagination for the better moving of the will.”

George Campbell:  “[Rhetoric] is that art or talent by which discourse is adapted to its end.  The four ends of discourse are to enlighten the understanding, please the imagination, move the passion, and influence the will.”

Rhetoric Defined, cont.

I. A. Richards:  “Rhetoric is the study of misunderstandings and their remedies.”

Richard Weaver:  Rhetoric is that "which creates an informed appetite for the good."

Philip Johnson: "Rhetoric is the art of framing an argument so that it can be appreciated by an audience."

Andrea Lunsford:  "Rhetoric is the art, practice, and study of human communication."

Tackling this thing called Rhetoric What is this thing called rhetoric? Rhetorical

Analysis? Rhetorical Analysis- breaking down what

makes a piece of rhetoric powerful/ effective Rhetorical Devices- literary techniques used

to heighten the effectiveness of expression diction (word choice), syntax (writing conventions)

Rhetorical Situation- time and place, as well as the context

Rhetorical Triangle

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Speaker

Audience Purpose

David Jolliffe’s Classical Schema

Rhetorical Modes (Modes of Discourse) Flexible term describes the variety, the conventions, and the

purposes of the major kinds of writing. The four most common rhetorical modes are: Exposition (or expository writing)- explains and analyzes info. by

presenting an idea, relevant evidence, and appropriate discussion. Argumentation- proves the validity of an idea, or point of view, by

presenting sound reasoning, discussion and argument that thoroughly convinces the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation having an additional aim of urging some form of action. Argument (a claim is true) v. Persuasion (move to action). Propaganda/advertising-aggressively designed to change opinions

Description- recreates, invents, or visually presents a person, place, event or action so that the reader can picture that being described. (uses 5 senses frequently)

Narration- to tell a story or narrate an event or series of events. (frequently uses descriptive tools)

Additional Rhetorical Modes

Example Classification Process Analysis Compare and Contrast Definition Cause and Effect

Purpose of Argument

The Goal The Writer Wants To Achieve Arguments to Inform (ex. Street signs) Arguments to Convince (report- present evidence) Arguments to Persuade (typically moves from analysis to

action) Arguments to Explore (deeply personal) Arguments to Make Decisions Arguments to Meditate or Pray (poem v. stained glass

window in church) Academic Arguments (professional field or discipline)

Kinds of Argument

Statis theory- organized by kinds of issues addressed (status or stasis)

Arguments of fact- statement proved/disproved with evidence/testimony

Arguments of Definition- categorizing Arguments of Evaluation and Causality-

(quality, factors shape present or future) Proposal Arguments- proving problem,

solution

Audiences for Arguments

Arguments not effective, unless it speaks well to audience

Intended readers- author Invoked readers- represented in a

text, excluding Real readers- not originally intended Context- perspectives readers bring

(the circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text)

Appealing to Audiences

Aristotle- writers can appeal to audiences in 3 ways:

Pathos- emotional appeals (descriptive language, visuals, bond b/w audience and author)

Ethos- presentation of self (credibility- respect, trust, similar values, even-handed, knowledge)

Logos- appeal to logic (facts, stats, credible testimony, examples, anecdote with sound reason)

SOAPSTone—tool for rhetorical analysis

Subject—What is the main subject or focus of the text?

Occasion- The time and the place of the piece; the context that prompted the writing. Larger occasion: an environment of ideas, attitudes, and emotions that swirl around a broad issue. Immediate occasion: an event or situation that catches the writer’s attention and triggers a response.

Audience –The readers to whom this piece is directed. One person? Group? How can you tell?

Purpose—The reason behind the text. What does the speaker want his/ her audience to think or do as a result of reading the text?

Speaker- describe speaker of the nonfictional piece. Who is the voice? What attributes/ qualities comprise such a speaker?

Tone—the attitude of the author. Meaning can be imparted through tone of voice. Tone is extended beyond the literal: diction (choice of words), syntax (sentence construction), and imagery (metaphors, similes, and other types of figurative language).

How to Analyze Rhetoric

How to Analyze Rhetoric

How to Analyze Rhetoric

How to Analyze Rhetoric

How does all this relate to the AP test, college, life…?? AP test:1. Rhetorical Analysis Essay(read a refined argument and analyze its

effectiveness based on the rhetorical devices we learn about)

2. Argument Essay(create your own argument using the rhetorical devices/ tools we discuss)

3. Synthesis Essay(read a series of non-fiction pieces/ articles and write an argument, citing others’ opinions as evidence, as well as your own)

4. Reading comp/ multiple choice (read non fiction and answer a series of rhetoric-focused questions)

College: equivalent to freshman comp, writing placement tests, SAT/ ACT, 90% of college courses- non-fiction reading/writing, private personal essay, college interviews

Life: critical thinking, informed citizen (voting, bargaining, purchases) politics, business, college/work presentations, interviews, speech and debate (club or intro-level college class), networking, etc.