Writing the Rhetorical Precis

The Rhetorical Precis

The precis is a highly structured four sentence paragraph that records the essential elements of a unit of spoken or written discourse. Each of the four sentences requires specific information.

The Rhetorical Precis Format

Sentence 1 In a single coherent sentence give the following:

– Name of the author, title of the work, source and date (in parentheses);

– A rhetorically accurate verb such as “asserts,” “argues,” “refutes,” “proves,” or “explains.”

– A that clause containing the major claim (thesis statement) of the work.

Sample Sentence 1Bell Hooks, in her essay, “Women Who Write Too Much,” from Remembered Rapture (1999), suggests that all writers, particularly black female writers, face enormous time pressures, for if they are not published often, they are never noticed by mainstream publishers.

The Rhetorical Precis Format

Sentence 2 In a single coherent sentence, give an explanation of how the writer develops and

supports the major claim (thesis statement).

Sample Sentence 2She supports her position first by describing her early writing experiences that taught her “not to be afraid of the writing process”; second by explaining her motives for writing, and lastly by using strong diction that appeals to the readers’ emotions.

The Rhetorical Precis Format

Sentence 3 In a single coherent sentence give a statement of the author’s

purpose, followed by an “in order to” phrase.

Sample Sentence 3Bell’s purpose is to respond to critics in order to encourage minority writers to develop their own voice.

The Rhetorical Precis Format

Sentence 4 In a single coherent sentence give a description of the author’s tone

and intended audience.

Sample Sentence 4Hooks’ uses firm and critical tone with her readers. Her intended audience is made up of both literary critics and minority women who seek to improve the effectiveness of their own writing.

Complete Rhetorical Precis

Bell Hooks, in her essay, “Women Who Write Too Much,” from Remembered Rapture (1999), suggests that all writers, particularly black female writers, face enormous time pressures, for if they are not published often, they are never noticed by mainstream publishers. She supports her position first by describing her early writing experiences that taught her “not to be afraid of the writing process”; second by explaining her motives for writing, and lastly by using strong diction that appeals to the readers’ emotions. Bell’s purpose is to respond to critics in order to encourage minority writers to develop their own voice. Hooks’ uses firm and critical tone with her readers. Her intended audience is made up of both literary critics and minority women who seek to improve the effectiveness of their own writing.

Bell Hooks, in her essay, “Women Who Write Too Much,” from Remembered Rapture (1999), suggests that all writers, particularly black female writers, face enormous time pressures, for if they are not published often, they are never noticed by mainstream publishers. She supports her position first by describing her early writing experiences that taught her “not to be afraid of the writing process”; second by explaining her motives for writing, and lastly by using strong diction that appeals to the readers’ emotions. Bell’s purpose is to respond to critics in order to encourage minority writers to develop their own voice. Hooks’ uses firm and critical tone with her readers. Her intended audience is made up of both literary critics and minority women who seek to improve the effectiveness of their own writing.

Sources

http://www.teachand learn.org/rhetorical_precis.htm

http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ph1201/modules/rhetorical-precis/sample/peirce_sample_precis