Rhetorical Triangle

All writing takes into consideration the three components: the writer’s intentions, the subject the writer is writing about, and the context and needs of the designated readers. However, different kinds of writing may focus more on one aspect of the triangle than others. Rhetoric: most textbook define rhetoric as "the study and the art of using language effectively." It goes on to elaborate on the modern negative connotations of the term. However, the study of rhetoric is an essential component of many college-level composition courses. Rhetoric encompasses the art of analyzing the language choices authors and speakers (rhetors) use to create meaningful and persuasive texts, texts worth reading or hearing. Furthermore, rhetoric encompasses using those techniques to create meaningful texts. Simply stated, rhetoric makes persuasion possible. The Rhetorical Transaction: According to Aristotle, the rhetorical transaction consists of three basic components: logos - representing the author's ability to reveal logic and reason in the text; ethos - representing the author's ability to reveal his or her credibility in the text, and pathos - representing the author's ability to appeal to the audience through the text.