PWR Knowing Words - Chapter 4

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Putri

The chapter explains how to conduct research-based writing, starting from drafting an essay by synthesizing sources and personal insights. It connects information literacy with targeted academic searching, consultation with an instructor, and using new findings to strengthen arguments. It then introduces rhetoric as the practice and study of communication for specific purposes, emphasizing persuasion, the rhetorical situation, and the need to adapt language to purpose, audience, and context. It also begins a discussion of purpose using writing examples and rhetorical conventions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time14 min

AccessFree to download

Reflection Questions

Information literacy and research habits

Rhetoric and Rhetorical Analysis - Words (and More) at Work

What Is Rhetoric?

Purpose

Use:You draft your essay,synthesizing the information youlearned from sources with your own ideas and insights.Asyouwrite,you discover more questions that you need to answer;especially about the relationship between contemporaryenvironmental concerns and zombie literature/film.Access:You do a more targeted search using Academic SearchPremier and find two or three more articles that addressthese questions.You also schedule an appointment withyour teacher for your Environmental Issues class to find outwhether she can help you answer your newly discoveredquestions.You use this new information to strengthen youressay. Understand:You've now written a researched essay thatyou′re proud of,and you also have a deeper understanding ofzombies that will make you even better appreciate the nextepisode of The Walking Dead!” # REFLECTION QUESTIONS 1.When you are curious about something,what sources do youturn to for information?What are some benefits/disadvantagesof these sources? 2.After reading this chapter,how would you define“informationliteracy"? 3.How comfortable do you feel searching for information:Forpersonal purposes?For academic research purposes?What'sdifferent about searching for personal or academic researchpurposes? 4.Can you recall a moment when you were NOT able to findinformation you needed?Describe.Where did you turn forhelp? 5.Can you recall a moment when you were very successfulfindinginformation?Describe.What made your search successful? 6.How do you know when you have found the information youneed?How do you decide what information to trust? # Rhetoric and RhetoricalAnalysis-Words (and More)at Work In this chapter,you'll read about rhetoric.Not the empty kind ofinflated or misguiding language that we sometimes associatewith politicians,but both the practice and study of how peoplecommunicate in order to achieve their specific purposes.After all,rhetoric puts the"R”in PWR,so it's important to understand whatit is and how it works. ## What Is Rhetoric? People tend to use the word rhetoric pejoratively.It is oftenpreceded by adjectives like empty or hollow.If someone other thana classmate or your instructor in this class makes a comment aboutyour rhetoric,chances are he or she is not givingyou a compliment.Politicians use the word rhetoric a lot.When they criticize theiropponents'speeches,they almost inevitably use the word rhetoricto describe what they consider shallow,insincere,or manipulativelanguage.For example,during the 2012 presidential campaign,the Obama campaign criticized Mitt Romney's views on foreignpolicy,noting,"This is somebody who leads with chest-poundingrhetoric."Similarly,Republican Vice Presidential candidate PaulRyan told members of the conservative Heritage Foundation,"Thepresident has opted for divisive rhetoric and the broken politics ofthe past."The assumption in both of these cases is that rhetoricis something misleading,irrelevant,and disconnected from reality. But is rhetoric always such a bad thing?Should this course be re-titled First-Year Writing and Insincere Manipulation?Or can weuse rhetoric to mean something else,something more practicaland worthwhile?In the academic world and in everyday life,theanswer is a resounding yes. So what is rhetoric?Rhetoric is the art of persuasion.In this sense,it has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Greeks.ForAristotle,rhetoric involved identifying and using "the availablemeans of persuasion”in a given situation.In his day,rhetoricreferred to speeches,not written texts.Today,even when we havemore means of persuasion available to us—including written textsand various forms of technology—we can stillthink of rhetoric asthe art of persuasion. But what does “the art of persuasion”mean?Basically it meansthat if you want to persuade people to change their views or take action,you need to adjust your languageto suit the occasion.Whether you'rewriting an academic essay or an e-mail,a cover letter or a love letter,the choice

FAQs

What sources should you turn to when you need information, and what are the trade-offs?

The chapter prompts readers to reflect on which sources they use and to weigh benefits and disadvantages. It highlights research practices that rely on credible materials and improved understanding through additional articles.

How does the chapter define information literacy after reading the chapter?

After completing the chapter, readers are asked to define “information literacy.” The surrounding content emphasizes researching efficiently, evaluating what is found, and using gathered information to support writing.

What does rhetoric mean in this chapter, and how does it relate to persuasion?

Rhetoric is presented as the art of persuasion, with a history linked to the ancient Greeks. The chapter stresses that successful communication adjusts language to the rhetorical situation, including purpose, audience, and context.

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Putri