The Tools You Need to Break It Down

 I can analyze a text using elements of the rhetorical web.

RS 1:I can identify the rhetorical situation of a text.

Speaker  The person presenting the text  NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS  Persona – the character the author creates to present the text.

Audience  Those meant to hear or read the text.  Can have major impact on how text is presented.

Subject  Overall topic of text  Often contains an argument, something the author wants to prove or claim

 The existing situation that creates a need or urgency for a rhetorical response  Consider: the occasion, the time and place written  Understanding the context is key to understanding the meaning and purpose.

 The goal that the speaker or writer expects to achieve with the text  The intention

 All aspects of the rhetorical triangle are INTERRELATED.  They impact each other.  Understanding one is essential to understanding the others.  Examples????

ART 1: I can explain logos, pathos, and ethos and how they influence each other.

 Appeal to reason  Logical content:  Clear, rational ideas  Strong thesis  Support of specific details, examples, facts, etc.  Counterargument

 Appeal to emotion  Using language that engages the emotions of the audience  Strong images  Figurative Language  Relying exclusively on emotional appeals is rarely effective

 Appeal to character  To demonstrate that one is credible and trustworthy, use:  Shared values  Knowledge, expertise  Sincerity

 A successful author will use a variety of these appeals, depending on other elements of the rhetorical triangle.  Examples:

A 1: I can identify the choices an author makes in arrangement.

 Variety of patterns can be used.  Classic: clear beginning, middle, end.  Organization and structure can be part of the rhetorical strategy.  Ex: putting most important point last or first, depending on the effect you want.  Some Types:  Chronological  Cause & effect  Problem – solution  Compare/Contrast

 Description  Narration  Process analysis– explaining how to do something, presenting steps in order.  Illustration – using examples to back up an idea  Definition – defining key terms  Division & Classification – arranging info. into groups, categories or parts.

The nitty gritty

 The author’s word choices  Word choice is directly linked with all other elements of the rhetorical web.  Examples of types of diction:  Formal or informal  Ornate or plain  General or specific  Two main choices: Imagery & Figurative Language

 The sensory details used to describe, arouse emotions, or represent abstractions  5 senses  Visual  Auditory  Tactile  Gustatory  Olfactory  One image can represent more than one thing.

 Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid  Examples:  Metaphors and similes  Symbolism  Personification  Hyperbole

 The deliberate sentence structure – arrangement of words - the author chooses to make his or her point  Consider…  Sentence length  Number of sentences  Sentence beginnings  Order of words – subject-verb, or inverted?  Important ideas at beginning or end?  And more!!

 Tone: The author’s implied attitude toward his subject and his audience  Examples of tone:  Playful  Sarcastic  Somber  Tone is created through diction and syntax