ERIC Number: ED234397
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1982-Dec
Pages: 12
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Heuristic for the Teaching of Persuasion.
Schell, John F.
Interpreting Aristotle's criteria for persuasive writing--ethos, logos, and pathos--as a concern for writer, language, and audience creates both an effective model for persuasive writing and a structure around which to organize discussions of relevant rhetorical issues. Use of this heuristic to analyze writing style, organization, and content generates many useful insights on the persuasive mode. For example, when students evaluate sentences or style with reference to the identity of the writer, they realize that if sentences are to reflect the writer's good judgment, they should be grammatically correct; if good character, they should refrain from insult; if good will, they should be clear, concise, and coherent. When students turn their attention to the audience's needs, they find that sentences showing skillful use of figurative language, rhythm, or tropes have more persuasive impact. When considering the language as a whole, they discover that each sentence must further the general argument. Using this model to analyze organization and content as well as sentences and style, students develop an understanding of the demands of persuasive writing. (MM)
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A