Mastering Rhetorical Devices for Persuasive Writing and Web Design

Abstract

1. Rhetorical devices are usually used in persuasive writing , essays , and even speeches . Whether it is in writing or not , the overall conversation must include the use of rhetorical devices . Rhetorical strategies are significant as they ensure a bold point is made , enhance comparisons and ensure that the audience connects with the things that are being communicated ( Nakayama and Krizek 302 ) . Some of the rhetorical choices that I made while revising my essays were similes , amplification , euphemism , and hypophora . Similes are the rhetorical devices that bring a sense of comparison between two similar subjects . The use of similes in my essays various approaches to my conversation that every reader or audience can understand . Amplifications are used to build on a sentence , word , or phrase . They emphasize evoking the sense of urgency in an essay as well as the intensity in the listener or the reader . For instance , the author might use the repetition of a certain word to show its importance . Euphemism is one of the rhetorical choices I made that uses a pleasant saying or phrase to explain a less pleasant one . Hypophora is a rhetorical device that is mostly used when a writer wants to ask a question and then answer it . This is the opposite of a rhetorical question whereby the reader does not want to waste time posing a question without an answer . 2. While designing an online presence , visual rhetoric choices are very essential as they will heavily affect the objective . Visual rhetoric is the same as persuading the audience with what they see . Even if the website designs change every time , having a unique website can attract a lot of audiences . Color is one of the rhetorical choices I made while designing my own website . Color is a very important element of customer psychology as it is used to attract the eyes of the audience . For instance , my website has various colors that suggest that the context is easy to read and very beneficial . The other thing that I choose is the size of my website as one of the designs . There are a number of websites that has a number of lines with normal - sized texts whereas there are other with larger font sizes . If you pay close attention , it is evident that a website with large fonts tends to show emphasis . The title of my website is also in a larger font as it makes it easier for the audience to skim through the pages . If my audience does not have enough time to read through my text , they can understand the message through the larger emphasized headings . Another rhetorical choice that I made while designing my website is the line length or the spacing . There is a simple rule that should be followed by the web designer with line lengths since short lengths are perfect where as long ones are not good . 3. What activities or homework influenced your revisions and rhetorical choices when creating this portfolio? For an author to absolutely develop and explain his argument, rhetorical choices must be made. Coming up with the right rhetoric devices might sometimes be hard and difficult but there are some activities that influenced the revisions as well as the choices that I made. One of the things that influenced my choices and revisions, is my audience. Being able to identify the intended audience is a very essential strategy in creating a portfolio (Smiciklas 11). Different things work for different audiences or certain groups. For instance, while writing essays, I had to use persuasive, scientific writing. This is evident that my audience would be more scientists who must be provided with facts and evidence to be persuaded. This is the main reason why I did not use pathos as scientists are not appealed by emotions but by logic and facts. Annotating the texts is another thing that influenced my revisions and homework. Writing down notes and identifying the keywords are some of the things that help a writer focus on their writing. Identifying keywords will keep the brain more focused and analyze the texts for various rhetorical devices than just repeating the use of one. Annotating is an amazing way that helps a writer write down their thoughts and therefore avoid confusion. However, do not spend a lot of time writing a rough draft since a lot of time might be wasted. 4. What did you learn in ENGL 1301 that you can apply in other courses? Give examples, explain, and be specific. English 1301 is a course that involves students in a thorough learning and an intensive writing process. Emphasis is usually placed on effective and efficient rhetorical choices such as the audience, arrangement, purpose, and even style. ENGL 1301 is significant as it focuses on writing essays as a way of communicating, learning, and even analyzing (Malin 22). I have learned a lot of things that I had not comprehended before. This lesson has taught me to write what my passion is as well as explain my thoughts in an effective way. This course has been an exception for me because I love challenging myself and to try and become a better writer as well as a speaker. I can confidently say that I have learned a lot more than I did during my years in high school Looking back, I have noticed a substantial improvement in my grammar skills, summarizing skills as well as writing adeptness. The vocabulary of my writing has significantly improved since I am able to choose the best rhetorical and other literary devices to use in my writing. I am able to assess my writing skills through a comparison of essays...