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RhetoricThe Art of Argument or Persuasion  Online Support for Student Success    Bookmark!           
                               The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively

Writing can become an enjoyable process.  Most writing has a common thread.  Paragraphs, essays, notes, graduate theses, and love letters may appear to be unrelated pieces of writing, but they share one goal.  Each attempts to communicate a main idea. This process is not a mystery. It is a practical art called rhetoric.  What is written on this page is instructive.  The rudiments of rhetoric were once the backbone of American education (when US schools were excellent.)  Mastering these skills is still required if one hopes to produce professional work at any level of education or in any situation or circumstance. 
Here is a basic framework for this
Art of Argument or Persuasion... 

    

1.  Introduction In this first sentence of a paragraph or first paragraph of an essay,
you
get your readers’ attention,
and provide introduction to your
main idea or thesis.
 

2.  History and/or EvidenceAfter you get their attention and announce the main idea,   
you must supply any
history they may need, details that will help them understand,
or evidence to support your
main idea
.

    

3.  Argumentation or Persuasion When you have provided the necessary facts,
history, and/or evidence you must do two things:

a.     Use this history and/or evidence to support your main idea.

b.     Use this history and/or evidence to defeat opposing ideas.  

 

4.  Summary:  At this point, you have told your reader what you intend to say, you have 
then said it, and you now summarize exactly what it is you wanted them to hear.
If you have used appropriate
transitional elements, grammar, and syntax, this
communication will have been most effective. (
transition document)
 

5.  Conclusion This summary process will lead directly into your conclusion, or the ending
to your
paragraph, essay, or note.  The most important part of this conclusion is to restate
your
main idea or thesis, but in different words and in such a way as to
take your reader beyond the paper.

  

 Rhetoric provides the framework for all western writing.  We can thank Plato and Aristotle.  
 You may need other writing resources:  Visit this PCC Portal Page! 
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Adverb   Art of Argument   Conjugation   Dictionary   Grammar   Linguistics   Rhetoric   Run-ons   Sentences   Syntax  Syntax2   Thesaurus  
Verb Tenses
  
Writing
with Purpose 

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Cause & Effect, Comparison &  Contrast, Definition, Description, Narrative, Persuasion, Process Analysis, Essays