Download Rhetorical Precis

Rhetorical Précis
Write a sentence that contains
 Name of the author, genre, and title of
text (give date published if you have it as
well)
 A rhetorically accurate verb (“asserts,”
“argues,” “implies,” “claims”)
 + a clause that states the major
assertion of the text
Sentence One

In his 2002 essay entitled “Don’t Blame
the Eater,” David Zinczenko argues that
fast food restaurants are contributing to
the obesity epidemic because of their
deceptive labeling and can expect to be
sued by overweight customers.
Example of Sentence One
Give an explanation of the evidence the
author uses to develop or support his
thesis.
 This sentence tells HOW the thesis is
proven.

Sentence Two
State the author’s purpose followed by an
“in order” statement.
 Is the author trying to entertain you?
Why?
 Persuade you to change your mind about
an issue? Why?
 Trying to inform you about a particular
issue? Why?

Sentence Three
Describe the intended audience and the
relationship the author establishes with
his audience.
 To whom is the author speaking?
 Is the audience supportive, neutral, or
hostile?
 How does the author use language to
persuade the audience he has?

Sentence Four