Rhetorical Precis

A rhetorical precis analyzes both the writing and how it is delivered. The structure consists of a four-sentence paragraph of both summary and analysis. These four sentences include, specific information from the text, students are expected to use brief quotations, and include a terminal bibliographic reference.

Format:

1. The first sentence identifies the essay's title and author, provides the date in which the article was written, and includes the thesis of the essay.
   1. example: In his essay "The Ugly Truth About Beauty" (1998), Dave Barry argues that "...women generally do not think of their looks in the same way that men do" (4).
2. The second sentence conveys the author's support for the thesis and use the author's support.
3. The third sentence analyzes the author's purpose.
4. The fourth sentence describes the essay's target audience and characterizes the author's relationship with the audience--or the essay's tone.

*Remember to always strive to employ the most precise words you can.*