Shea, The Language of Composition, 4E, Chapter 4

Terms in this set (15)

exigence
The aspects of the rhetorical situation that prompted the writer or speaker to create the text, including its occasion.
audience
The listener, viewer, or reader of a text. It has both shared and individual beliefs, values, needs, and backgrounds. Most texts are likely to have multiple audiences.
context
The circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text.
rhetorical situation
The exigence, purpose, audience, writer, context, and message of a text.
purpose
The goal the writer or speaker of a text wants to achieve.
metaphor
Figure of speech that compares two things without using like or as.
thesis
The overarching claim that clearly states the writer's position in a text.
line of reasoning
The connections between the claims in the writer's argument and the evidence presented to support them.
evidence
Support for a claim or argument.
personal experience
Evidence drawn from the writer's own experience.
personal observations
Evidence the writer has seen but not necessarily experienced.
methods of development
Modes of expression writers use to achieve their purposes. Each of these modes is a way of thinking — a reasoning pattern that develops and organizes the reasoning of the writer's argument.
comparison and contrast
Juxtaposing two things to highlight their similarities and differences. It is useful in explaining distinctions that differentiate between two seemingly similar concepts or ideas. Frequently, an argument will reflect a __________ of two people, ideas, policies, or viewpoints.
definition
A method of development that conveys details about a concept, an event, or an object to advance an argument.
description
A method of development that evokes the senses by painting a picture of how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes, or feels. Rarely is an entire essay descriptive, but clear and vivid description can make writing more persuasive.
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