Rhetorical Précis

Question

Students Have “Dismaying” Inability to Tell Fake News from Real, Study Finds 

A 4-part rhetorical précis is an expanded version of a text summary which describes both the content and the choices the author made within a text. In this type of writing, although it is only 4-6 sentences long, each section/sentence follows a specific formula.

Section 1: Name of author, genre, and title of work, date (YEAR) in parentheses, a rhetorically accurate/active verb and a “that” clause containing the major assertion of the main claim of the work.

Section 2: An explanation of how the author develops and supports the main claim, usually in logical or chronological order. (typically more than one sentence; cite evidence from the text)

Section 3: A statement of the author’s apparent purpose, followed by an “in order to” phrase.

Section 4: A description of the intended audience and/or the relationship the author establishes with the audience through his/her tone.

Answer 1

Rhetoric is a persuasive argument that demands the following elements, according to Aristotle: pathos, emotional appeals, logos, logical appeals, and ethos, ethical or values, good character, and trustworthiness. the writer or speaker must assert or convince the reader or listener that he or she has no personal interest or bias in the proposition, main argument, or thesis. The rhetor/writer's duty is to express integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in the text, delivery, and transactions. The facts, statements, declarations, and theories are not based on dubious half-truths or fictions or gossip. Thus, his or her point of view or perspective is not subjective to fallacies, propaganda or malice. The rhetor does not manipulate the context or situation or reality. There is no shame or lies in the testimony. There is no false evidence, spurious argument, and the witnesses are rational and of sound minds. The research is scientific. The judges are not bought. There is no hidden agenda.