AP Lang - Rhetorical Precis

Rhetorical Precis :: structured, formulaic, four-sentence paragraph that gives as much information as possible. It focuses on purpose, strategies and audience. Usually your introductory paragraph in rhetorical analysis essay

Sentence 1:
  • ==name of author==
  • @@name of work@@
  • dateinparenthesisdate in parenthesis
  • %%a rhetorically accurate verb%%
      * assert, argue, claim etc
      * words that set context in motion
      * describe what is written in the text
      * shows instead of tells
  • ^^“that” statement^^

e.g. ==John Smith’s== piece, “@@title@@” (<em>20xx</em><em>20xx</em>) claims ^^that^^ …

Sentence 2:
  • ==explanation of how the author supports the argument==
  • how the author achieves the purpose
  • “with”statement“with” statement
  • %%rhetorical devices in chronological order as it appears in the work%%

e.g. ==Smith supports __== withwith , %%___ and ____%%

Sentence 3:
  • %%whats the purpose%%
  • @@“in order to” phrase@@

e.g. The authors %%purpose is to ____%% @@in order to ____@@

Sentence 4:
  • @@who is the audience@@
  • relationship of author and audience
  • ^^how does the author reach the audience^^

e.g. @@The author reaches the audience of ____@@ ^^by ____^^

The author @@reaches the audience of non-Hispanic people@@ @@by illustrating the real life experiences as a latina woman and proving historical context for the cultural clash@@.

Benefits:
  • provides formula
  • helps identify key elements of writing
  • pushes you to be more clear and concise