The Canons of Rhetoric

In chapter three of Envision: Writing and Researching Arguments, it discusses composing arguments. Chapter three helps you understand the canons of rhetoric. The canons of rhetoric are classified in to five categories where the principles of writing, speaking, and visual arguments operate. Number one is invention, creating an idea. Number two is arrangement, organizing your ideas in an effective way. Number three is style, expressing your ideas in an appropriate manner. Number five is memory, presenting your crafted idea to an audience. The canons are all necessary for persuasive communication.

Aristotle defined invention as methods for “finding all available argument.” Some methods used to invent an argument are: definition, definition of text; division, the parts that are comprised within the text; comparison, the comparison between your text and another. Classification, the purpose of the text, and testimony, things others say about the text.

After you create your idea, arguments becomes the next important thing because they way you present your essay will define a reader’s response to your ideas. Chapter three list some organizational strategies that can help you choose your argument. Chronological structure, relies on examples across time. Cause-effect show how one event causes another. Problem-solution defines a problem then offers a solution. Block structure works your way systematically througha series of example and case studies.