English 111G
Rhetoric and Composition
Skills and methods used in writing
university-level essays.
Rhetoric
So What is Rhetoric?
Rhetoric
Aristotle’s definition
Let rhetoric be an ability, in each case, to see
the means available of persuasion. This is the
function of no other art.
The Art of Persuasion
Rhetoric
From Merriam-Webster On-line
the art of speaking or writing effectively
the study of principles and rules of
composition formulated by critics of ancient
times
the study of writing or speaking as a means of
communication or persuasion
Rhetoric
Combining the Two
the purposeful use of language to
accomplish a specific end or goal;
it involves a writer/speaker shaping a
message using appropriate language for a
reader/audience in order to accomplish an
articulated outcome.
Dr. Christopher Burnham PhD.
Back to Aristotle
Aristotle stated that there were three
important areas necessary for effective
communication and persuasion. He called
these three areas the Rhetorical Triangle.
Rhetoric
The Rhetorical Triangle
Ethos
Pathos
Logos
Rhetoric
The Rhetorical Triangle
Ethos – Ethical Appeal
The Author
Pathos – Emotional Appeal
The Reader
Logos – Logical Appeal
The Text
Rhetorical Triangle
While Aristotle believed that a good rhetor
used an equal balance of ethos, pathos,
and logos, not all forms of writing require
an equal balance of these three
components.
You determine the shape of the Rhetorical
Triangle for each writing situation.
Rhetoric
Ethos
Ethos
Pathos
Logos
Pathos
Logos
Academic writing uses more ethos and logos but does not exclude pathos.
English 111G
Rhetoric and Composition:
Skills and methods used in writing
university-level essays.
Composition
The process and study of creating written
works
The name of the professional field that deals
with teaching writing
Composition
From ENGL111G Course Objectives
construct multiple-paragraph essays with a
clear thesis and adequate evidence in a
variety of modes acceptable in collegelevel courses, such as argumentation,
exposition, narration, and description;
Modes of Writing
Narrative
Expository
Descriptive
Persuasive
Imaginative
Narrative Writing
Presents a series of events in order to
inform or entertain.
Can be both fiction or non-fiction.
Within academic essays, narrative writing
can be used to relate an anecdote,
particularly in an introduction or as part of
an example.
Narrative Writing
Narrative writing is used for
anecdotes and illustrative examples
personal writing
creative writing
fiction
Expository Writing
Presents factual information about a
subject
 Main purpose is to inform
 Should be objective and unbiased
 Within academic essays, we use
expository writing when we present factual
information, such as background or
research finding

Expository Writing
Expository writing is used to
report facts
summarize ideas
define terms
explain a process
give instructions
Expository Writing
Comparing and Contrasting
Cause and Effect
Proposing a Solution
Evaluation
Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing tries to convey a
particular impression of a person, place, or
thing using vivid imagery and specific
detail
Conveys emotions or attitude
Descriptive Writing
Descriptive writing is used in
Narratives or stories
Reports
Personal experiences
Character sketches
Advertising
Poetry
Persuasive Writing
used to convince the audience to believe
or agree with the writer’s argument or
interpretation
relies primarily on logic and specific
supporting examples
Most advanced academic writing is done
in the persuasive mode.
Persuasive Writing
Persuasive writing is used in
Literary analysis
Historical analysis
Debates
Research Papers
Advertising
Works Cited
Hogan, D. Writing With Style January 7,
2003 Poway Unified School District,
August 24, 2004
<http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/projects
/edtechcentral/writingwStyle/modes.htm>