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.
 The
Speaker
person
presenting the
text
 NOT ALWAYS
OBVIOUS

Persona – the
character the
author creates to
present the text.
 Those
meant to
hear or read the
text.
 Can have major
impact on how
text is presented.
Audience
 Overall
Subject
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