Definition: A word to describe different categories of artistic media that share similar traits and characteristics. Genres may also to revolve around similar themes or writing styles. Significance: Genres are important since they provide a foundation for both readers and writers. Genres can help a first-time reader create a foundation of previous knowledge before they…

Definition Pathos, or the appeal to emotion, means to persuade an audience by purposely evoking certain emotions to make them feel the way the author wants them to feel. Authors make deliberate word choices, use meaningful language, and use examples and stories that evoke emotion. Significance The technique of pathos is an important skill for writers.…

  Definition Rhetorical purpose is the specific goal behind a piece of communication. It is the message that the communicator aims to convey to one’s audience. Significance Understanding the rhetorical purpose of a message or piece of writing helps both the communicator and the audience. For the communicators, identifying the rhetorical purpose helps them to…

Definition Rhetoric is the foundation of the creation of literature. Originated with Sophists and was systematized by Aristotle, who discussed effective methods of persuasion. Till modern day, rhetoric has served to persuade, inform, or motivate an audience. Central to rhetoric is ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). Significance: Rhetoric is used to elevate the…

Definition: The circumstances surrounding a pice of communication/literature. It can include various elements including the purpose, audience, tone and background that influence how a piece will be interpreted. Significance: Knowing rhetorical context is important because it explains why what surrounds your price of literature makes it important? Context clarifies the intended meaning of a message.…

Definition A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different objects without explicitly saying “like” or “as”. It compares two unlike things in a descriptive, meaningful way that reveals a new layer of understanding about one element through the lens of another. Significance Understanding metaphors is important for both reading and writing as…

Definition A technique that uses logic and reasoning to persuade the audience of what the author is trying to convey. Significance Logos is a vital technique we must use because it employs the facts in a way that is logical so that the audience is convinced of the main point. It’s used in many speeches…

Definition A Rhetorical Situation is made up of different factors that allow for communication to occur. Some factors are purpose, audience, exigence, and constraints. Significance The importance understanding the significance of rhetorical situations is it creates effective writing and allows for persuasive communication to be created as well as make a writers writing have better…

Definition Refers to the individual or group for who the piece of literature is intended for. Audience is the who. Who was this written for? What group of people did the author hope to move with their work? Significance By understanding who the author hoped to reach with their writing, we can better understand the…