AP Lang: Aristotle's 5 Canons of Rhetoric

Invention

Invention

A shift from having to say something to having something to say.

Invenire

Latin term meaning "to find," from which "invention" is derived.

Definition of Invention

The art of finding and developing materials; the ability to discover ideas.

Systematic/Formal Development

Involves journalist questions:who, what, when, where, why.

Modes of Development

Includes definition, cause/effect, process analysis, compare/contrast, etc.

Intuitive Development

Techniques such as free writing, journaling, brainstorming, reading, and discussion.

Arrangement

The process of putting things together for rhetorical effect.

Organization

Selecting evidence and ordering it with purpose.

Argument Structure

Comprises four parts:assertion, concession, evidence/rebuttal, conclusion.

Assertion

The part of an argument that states "I believe…"

Concession

Acknowledges opposing views with "Others may think…"

Evidence/Rebuttal

Supports the argument with "However, I’m right because…"

Conclusion

Summarizes the argument with "Therefore… agree with me."

Aristotle’s Classical Arrangement

A structured approach to argumentation including exordium, narration, partition, confirmation, refutation, and peroration.

Exordium

The introduction of an argument.

Narration

Provides background information and context.

Partition

Outlines and defines the scope of the argument.

Confirmation

Offers evidence and forms the body of the argument.

Refutation

Addresses counter-arguments.

Peroration

The conclusion of the argument.

Style

Refers to how things are presented in writing.

Good Style

Depends on the situation and includes elements like figurative language, diction, and syntax.

Memory

Cultural literacy; what you know and can access.

Aristotle’s Time

Emphasized memorizing and learning elaborate mnemonics.

Modern Memory

Focuses on how text looks on a page.

Delivery of Text

Involves font size/style, use of white space, visuals, layout, and formatting.

Writing Guidelines

Includes writing on one side of the paper, not skipping lines, and ensuring legibility.