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Rhetoric:
The Art of Argument or Persuasion
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rhet·o·ric
Pronunciation
Key (rtr-k) is
defined as:
n. The art or study of
using language effectively and persuasively
Writing can become an enjoyable process. Most
writing has a common thread.
Paragraphs,
essays,
notes,
graduate theses, and
love letters may appear to be
unrelated pieces of writing, but they share one goal. Each attempts to
communicate
a
main idea. This process is not a
mystery. It is a practical art called
rhetoric.
What is written on this page is instructive. The rudiments of rhetoric
were once the
backbone of American education (when US schools were excellent.)
Mastering
these skills is still required if one
hopes to produce professional work at any level of education
or in any situation or circumstance.
Here is a basic framework for this
Art of Argument or Persuasion...
1.
Introduction:
In this first
sentence of a paragraph or first paragraph
of an essay,
you
get your readers’ attention, and provide introduction to your
main idea or thesis.
2.
History and/or Evidence:
After you get their attention and announce the main idea,
you must supply any history they may need, details that will help them
understand,
or evidence to support your main idea.
3.
Argumentation or Persuasion:
When you have provided the necessary facts,
history, and/or evidence you must do two things:
a. Use this history and/or evidence to support your main idea.
b. Use this history and/or evidence to defeat opposing ideas.
4.
Summary:
At this point, you have told your reader what you intend to say, you have
then said it, and you now summarize exactly what it is you wanted them to
hear.
If you have used appropriate
transitional elements, grammar, and
syntax, this
communication will have been most effective. (transition document)
5.
Conclusion:
This summary process will lead directly
into your
conclusion, or the ending
to your paragraph, essay, or note. The most important part of this
conclusion
is to restate
your main idea or thesis, but in different words and in such a way as to
take your reader beyond the paper.
Rhetoric provides the framework for all western writing. We can thank
Plato and Aristotle.
You may need other
writing resources: Visit this
PCC Portal Page!
Here are more resources:
Adverb
Art of Argument
Conjugation
Dictionary
Grammar
Linguistics
Rhetoric
Run-ons
Sentences
Syntax
Syntax2
Thesaurus
Verb Tenses
Writing
with Purpose
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