1. Introduction to Rhetoric
English 10A
Mrs. Lorntson

2. What is Rhetoric? “The art of speaking or writing effectively”
Or, getting what we want by using language

3. Other Arts Besides Rhetoric
Flirting: getting what we want by using eye contact, body language, etc.
Politics: getting what we want on a national level (much of politics is rhetoric)
Diplomacy: getting what on an international level (also uses much rhetoric)
War: getting what we want on an international level through the use of force
Civil Disobedience: getting what we want through nonviolent protest

4. Two Parts of Rhetoric
Rhetorical Strategies: what we use in an argument and how we organize
Argument/evidence
Order
Diction
Tone
Stylistic Devices: added touches that improve the presentation
Figurative language
Allusion
Sentence structures

5. Sometimes, Rhetorical Strategy and Stylistic Devices are lumped into one term…
Rhetorical Devices.

6. Anyone play poker? Rhetorical Strategy = How you play
Hold, fold, bet, check, etc.
Stylistic Devices = Extra
Body language, table talk, sunglasses, etc.

7. English 9 vs. English 10 English 9: What’s going on?
English 10: Rhetorical analysis
What is the point of the piece?
What is the author’s purpose?
What rhetorical strategies are used?
Is the work effective?

8. Story Time!
The Three Little Pigs

9. Other Elements of Rhetoric
The Three Main Players
Writer
Reader
Subject
What does the author focus on?
Writer = Expressive writing
Reader = Persuasive writing
Subject = Expository writing

10. Other Elements of Rhetoric, Cont.
Modes of Development: How the writer presents information
Description: uses vivid imagery, paints a picture
Narration: tells a story
Classification: divides an idea into sub-categories
Evaluation: analysis with support

11. The End
Any Questions?