1. Nonfiction (Informational) Texts
Rhetorical Devices
Nonfiction (Informational) Texts

2. Rhetoric is the art of using language persuasively and effectively.
What is RHETORIC?
Rhetoric is the art of using language persuasively and effectively.

3. Rhetorical Devices
We use rhetorical devices to write or speak persuasively -- to ARGUE effectively.
Rhetorical Devices include:
Pathos, Ethos, and Logos
Repetition
Parallelism
Alliteration
Figurative Language (ex. allusions, similes, metaphors, imagery)
Rhetorical questions

4. Pathos Appeal through EMOTION Examples:
Draw from spirituality or religious traditions
Stories or testimonials
Personal stories (anecdotes)
Imagery (sensory details)
Empathy or compassion
Words to stir up emotion
Details from subjective reporting (bias)

5. Example of Pathos

6. Ethos
Appeal through ETHICS (right/wrong) & CREDIBILITY (believability)
Examples:
Author’s believability, qualifications, character, relevant biographical information
Use of expert scholars
Accurate citation of sources (giving credit where credit is due)
Use of language and discipline
Humility (author is NOT arrogant)
Avoids generalizations OR sweeping statements
Example: will not say “everyone is doing this”

7. Example of Ethos

8. Logos Appeal through LOGIC, RATIONALITY, CRITICAL REASONING  the mind
Examples:
Facts and Statistics
Draw from philosophy and logic
“If, then…” statements
Definitions of terms
Explanation of ideas
Cause and Effect
Details from objective reporting (neutral)
Reason and Explanations

9. Example of Logos

10. Repetition
Repeating important words or phrases can indicate to the reader that they are important. They help to make the writing more persuasive and make certain words or phrases stick in the reader’s head.
Tony Blair said that his main priority as Prime Minister would be:
Education,
Education

11. Parallelism
"Today's students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains.
If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it.
They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude.“
(Jesse Jackson)
Two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form
Used often in speeches  repetition and parallelism are combined

12. Parallel or Not Parallel
Parallel: The housekeeper looked inside the drawers, on top of the bookcase, and under the bed. NOT Parallel: The maid looked inside the drawer, the bookcase, and under the bed.

13. Parallel or Not Parallel?
We left for vacation without our credit cards, money, and our clothes.
How can we correct this sentence?

14. Alliteration Sally sells seashells by the seashore…
Alliteration is where two or more words begin with the same letter.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore…

15. What is an ALLUSION?
An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.

16. What does the glass slipper allude to?

17. What does the number 23 allude to?

18. Figurative Language: Allusions
“There's a coincidence today. On this day three hundred and ninety years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of Panama. In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and a historian later said, ‘He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it.’ Well, today, we can say of the “Challenger” crew: Their dedication was, like Drake's, complete.” -Ronald Reagan- The Space Shuttle "Challenger" Tragedy Address

19. Figurative Language: Metaphor
“The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world.” –JFK Inaugural Address

20. Figurative language: Simile
"Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.“
(Carl Sandburg)

21. Imagery Visually descriptive  imaginary pictures using words
Use of Sensory details
Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, Touch

22. Rhetorical Questions

23. Rhetorical Devices Pathos, Ethos, Logos Repetition Parallelism
There are lots of other types of rhetorical devices that writers use to write effective arguments and to persuade their audiences to their PERSPECTIVE…but these are the ones you will need to know and be able to identify and analyze.
Pathos, Ethos, Logos
Repetition
Parallelism
Alliteration
Figurative language (allusions, metaphors, similes, imagery)
Rhetorical questions

24. Why author’s write! (Author’s Purpose)
To explain something
To persuade you
To amuse you
To give you information
To entertain you
To shock you
To make you feel strongly about something