Category: Rhetoric Study Guide

  • Genre

    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…

  • Reading

    “Reading is the process of taking in the sense or meaning of letters, symbols, etc. especially by sight or touch.” -Wikipedia Reading is a process of consuming information from literature and or other medians such as art, film or music. Reading is possibly the most important part of ones everyday life. Reading allows for exchange…

  • Rhetorical Context

    Definition Rhetorical Context is the situation that surrounds your act of writing. In essence, it refers to the circumstances surrounding an act of reading and/or composition. There are five main aspects to the rhetorical context:, Audience, Purpose, and Occasion.  Significance Rhetorical Context is very important as it helps you focus on precisely what, why and…

  • Rhetoric

    Definition Use of persuasive techniques such as figures of speech to express the idea in an effective manner. Significance The concept of rhetoric is extremely important from not just a writer but a reader’s perspective as well. It enhances your writing style by making use of many different language features such as similes, metaphors and…

  • Rhetorical Situation

    Definition A rhetorical situation provides the context that forms the argument that one person is making to at least one other person, with the purpose of persuading or influencing their thinking. Significance Rhetorical situations force a writer to be aware of their purpose as soon as they begin to organize their thoughts. They bring attention…

  • Pathos

    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.…

  • Rhetorical Purpose

      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…

  • Rhetorical Purpose

    Definition Rhetoric purpose refers to the author’s way of attempting to communicate a message that shapes how the audience receives the information. Rhetorical purpose is usually varied between informing, persuading, or entertaining the reader. The author usually has a mix of rhetorical purpose to convey their message, instead of just one. Significance Understanding the author’s…

  • PATHOS

    Definition: To persuade an audience by purposely evoking certain emotions to make them feel the way the author wants them to feel To me pathos means marketing emotions to seem more appealing  Significance: It helps make messages more relatable, memorable, and convincing by appealing to feelings like happiness, sadness, or empathy to get your point…

  • Rhetoric

    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…