Detailed Notes on Commas and Rhetorical Writing Techniques

Importance of Commas

  • Commas help clarify lists and separate items in writing.
    • Example of complex list: Peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, and pickles.
    • Use of Oxford comma in complex lists to avoid confusion.

General Rules for Commas

  • Commas in series: Always include a comma before the last item if the list is complex.
  • Commas in dates and addresses: Separate parts with commas.
    • Example: Street, Town, State, ZIP code.
    • Not necessary to place a comma before the ZIP code if included.

Specifics on Dates

  • When referencing dates:
    • Full date format: Thursday, August 10, 2013, requires commas.
    • General format: June 2026 does not require commas.
  • U.S. formatting (MM/DD/YYYY) vs. international (DD/MM/YYYY).

Comma Usage in Writing

  • Understanding FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) for conjunctions.
    • Rule: Comma before FANBOYS if connecting two independent clauses.
  • Dependent clauses at the beginning of sentences require a comma.
    • Example: Although it is cold outside, our wood stove keeps us warm.

Commas in Quotations

  • Proper placement of commas in and out of quotation marks.
    • Example: "This is an example," she said.
  • Critical to place period after quotation marks when following with a citation.

Rhetorical Situations

  • Understanding audience, subject, and purpose in writing.
  • Rhetorical Triangle:
    • Logos: Appeal to logic (facts, statistics).
    • Ethos: Appeal to credibility (trustworthiness of author).
    • Pathos: Appeal to emotion (evoking feelings in audience).

Rhetorical Appeals in Writing

  • Utilizing logos in analytical arguments involves presenting solid evidence and data.
  • Ethos is built through demonstrating knowledge and credibility within a subject area.
  • Pathos should be used cautiously to avoid over-manipulating the audience's emotions.

Logical Fallacies

  • Recognize logical fallacies in writing; for example:
    • Slippery slope fallacy: Assuming one action will lead to extreme outcomes.
    • Ad hominem: Attacking the character instead of the argument.
  • Importance of avoiding fallacies in both writing and discussion to maintain logical discourse.

Building Credibility (Ethos)

  • To establish ethos: use evidence, proper formatting, and organized writing.
  • Avoid logical fallacies to keep integrity of arguments.
  • Example of effective ethos: Martin Luther King Junior's speeches include strong emotional and ethical appeals alongside logical arguments.