2. Rhetoric is the art of
persuasion.
Writers use rhetorical
tools to persuade
others.
Writers know and
understand their
audience and
choose strategies
for specific
purposes.

3. HOW DO WRITERS PRESENT THEMSELVES AS
“GOOD PEOPLE?”
#1 They sound level-headed
~ Use Concession: an expression of concern for
the feelings of those who may disagree with the
writer’s position and/or a listing of the
opponent’s argument
~ Use Refutation: counters or qualifies the
opponent’s arguments
Example: Dad, your love for me and concern
about my safety are evident, but you can trust
me to come straight home from the meeting.
Example: Mom, I know that you might consider
a cell phone a distraction, but I would use it
judiciously!

4. HOW DO WRITERS PRESENT THEMSELVES AS
“GOOD PEOPLE?”
~ Control emotions
~ Sound fair

5. HOW DO WRITERS PRESENT THEMSELVES AS
“GOOD PEOPLE?”
#2 They sound knowledgeable.
~ Use Facts: Cell phones are not as expensive
now.
~ Refer to Authorities: My responsible friend has
one.
~ Cite the Past: Remember when I was stuck at
school…
~ Cause and Effect: If I had a cell phone, then I
would not have to use yours.
~ Use a Quotation: Anthony Robbins has said that
“the way we communicate with others and with
ourselves ultimately determines the quality of
our lives.”

6. HOW DO WRITERS “SPEAK WELL?”
#1 They engage the audience in their arguments.
~ Use Anecdotes
Example: One time a friend of mine got lost in
the mall and wandered around for two hours
looking for his parents. The whole family was
distraught by the time they found each other. If
they had cell phones, they could have
communicated better.

7. HOW DO WRITERS “SPEAK WELL?”
~ Use Imagery
Example: Mom, remember watching for me in
the parking lot at school? You sat in your hot
car, the seat melting into your skin, the air thick
and humid? If I had a cell phone, you could sip
on a tangy iced tea as you wait on a soft, comfy
couch in a cool 72 degree home.

8. HOW DO WRITERS “SPEAK WELL?”
~ Use Figures of Speech
Example: Cell phones are a life line to family
and friends. (metaphor)
Example: Cell phones are like a honing beacon
that allows parents to keep track of their busy
children. (simile)
Example: The cell phone is a chaperone
keeping me in touch with my parents.
(personification)

9. HOW DO WRITERS “SPEAK WELL?”
#2 They enhance writing with sentence “tools.”
~ Repetition
Example: A cell phone would help me be
responsible, keep me in touch with family, help
me communicate with friends, help me to reach
out to others.
~ Anaphora – a specific kind of repetition
Example: When I am lonely, when I am lost,
when I am confused, when I need a ride, I can
use my cell phone to call for help.

10. HOW DO WRITERS “SPEAK WELL?”
~ Periodic Sentence – has a main clause at the
end of a sentence
Example: When I am lonely, when I am lost,
when I am confused, when I need a ride, I can
use my call phone to call for help.

11. HOW DO WRITERS “SPEAK WELL?”
~ Polysyndeton – a specific type of repetition
Example: I can use my cell phone at home and
at school and in the car and at a party and at
theme parks and at church.
~ Asyndeton – the opposite of polysyndeton
(leave out all conjunctions)
Example: I can use my cell phone to quickly call
mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle,
cousin, friend.