Persuasive Synthesis of Rhetorical Theory - Research Proposal Example

Self-Assessment of Persuasive Writing Total Number of Words 024 Introduction The purpose ofthis study is to develop a self-evaluative essay that examine and assess the first two persuasive assignments that the student has completed. In the process of writing the self-evaluative essay, two sections will be included upon analyzing the accuracy and effective persuasive synthesis of the first and second assignments based on the principles of rhetorical theory that has been discussed by Hauser. First Assignment – Persuasive Synthesis of Rhetorical Theory Introduction For the first assignment, the writer was able to provide a good introduction emphasizing the importance of rhetorical communication or persuasive communication when dealing with another person or a group of people. Body Prior to discussing some real-life situations, the main purpose of rhetorical communication was stated to show how well the writer understands the true meaning of theory behind persuasive communication. Aiming to persuade the instructor that rhetorical communication is applicable to different types of human-related situations; several real-life case scenarios such as political situation and social issues on stem cell research were included in the study to show the different ways on how rhetorical communication can be applied in our daily lives. Political Situation The latest political situation in the United States was included in the study. Even though the writer included only two examples in this case; the writer was able to provide a good example on how persuasive communication can be used to convince the people to vote for them in the next presidential election and how persuasive communication can be used to discourage the people from voting them. In line with this matter, Hillary Clinton publicly released the news related to her three winnings out of four states based on the national polls. (Times Online, 2008) With this example, it is clear that Clinton is exerting effort in terms of trying to convince her supporters their chance of winning in the 2008 presidential election. A good example of using persuasive communication as a discouragement is the public news report that featured five persuasive arguments against Clinton. This news was released in order to convince the people not to vote for Clinton and/or make her supporters think twice about electing her to be the U.S.’s 2008 president. (Now Public, 2007) This example suggests the huge possibility that other presidential candidates has made an effort to release such as negative publicity with regards to Clinton’s qualifications. Social Issues on Stem Cell Research With regards to social issues on stem cell research, the writer includes each of the presidential candidate’s reasoning behind their opposition with regards to the funding of the stem cell research studies. (Lloyd, 2008; McCain, 2008) Clinton and Obama stated their personal reasoning on how the Americans could benefit more with the use of funds to prevent global warming rather than spending the money to fund the stem cell research. (Lloyd, 2008; Britt, 2007) In the case of Mc Cain, he used moral and ethical issues to convince the people why we should not spend too much money in funding the stem cell research. (McCain, 2008) Discussion This portion of the study was properly written with a purpose. Basically, this portion allows the writer to think further on how rhetorical or persuasive communication can be effectively used by each individual. Since persuasive communication is a form of art, it becomes crucial on the part of the speaker to develop new ways on how to convince the audience(s) to follow and support the speaker’s main argument. To do so, the writer suggests the need to combine good reasoning that will make sense on the part of the audience(s) (Eng 312, 2008c) together with factual evidences. To convince the instructor with regards to the importance of factual evidences, the writer provided an example wherein credible lawyers need to have the ability to speak logically together with sufficient scientific-based evidences to be able to persuade the jury, judge, and audiences to win a case. Conclusion The conclusion part was written short but accurately summarizing the application of rhetoric or persuasive communication in our day-to-day activities. It is also good that the writer mentioned the challenge and differences behind convincing educated and uneducated individuals since knowing these differences will enable the speaker to be more prepared when conducting a private or public persuasive communication. Second Assignment – Letter of Application and Resume Resume The main objective of the resume is to seek for an English teaching position in secondary education particularly between Grades 9 – 12. Aiming to convince the reader with regards to the applicant’s qualification for the said post, the applicant stated the necessary information with regards to the school where she finishes the course, the course completed including the GPA which shows her academic performance in each course. Although the applicant stated the period when the courses related to Journalism and secondary education has been completed, the period when Psychology course was completed was not provided. Although this is a minor concern, the inconsistency of information provided in the resume could open some questions on the part of the reader. There are no further questions that can be raised with regards to the applicant’s proficiency in the English subject since applicant was able to achieve a good grade in journalism. In terms of handling and teaching students, the applicant’s knowledge in psychology including her past experiences in teaching English and supervising classes in grades K-12 is sufficient to convince the readers of her qualifications in teaching profession. Letter of Application The letter of application was written in a short and direct way. This strategy in writing is good since the intended reader could focus on the applicant’s attitude with regards to teaching profession. Stating that the applicant believes in a lifelong learning for her own benefit is a good sign of the applicant’s capability to continuously exert and effort to improve her present knowledge and experiences in teaching profession. Acknowledging the importance of being a positive role model to the students and her openness in working together with the school teachers and other professionals is also a written act of persuading the intended reader with regards to her professionalism in her chosen career and desire to learn more. *** End *** References: Britt, Robert Roy. "Live Science." 4 October 2007. Hillary Clinton Promises Science-Friendly White House. 31 May 2008 . "Eng 312." 2008. Theory: Resources of Persuasion. 30 May 2008 . Lloyd, Robin. "Live Science." 3 January 2008. Hot Science Topics Avoided by Presidential Candidates. 31 May 2008 . "McCain." 2008. On the Issues. 31 May 2008 . "Now Public." 14 February 2007. 5 Persuasive Arguments Against Hillary Clinton. 30 May 2008 . Read More