Rhetorical Precis - Kent Haruf

The article “Writers on Writing: To See Your Story Clearly, Start by Pulling the Wool Over Your Own Eyes” (2010) by Kent Haruf suggests that there isn’t just one way to compose a great piece of writing; he explains that many of the well known authors from past times to today have different ways of creating their writing. The author gives examples of other writers, for example John Cheever wrote some of his early stories in his underwear, while Thomas Wolfe wrote while leaning over his refrigerator; these examples helped lead to his second main point which was what it truly takes to set up a well written paper. The author is trying to demonstrate the many ways to be creative while writing in order to persuade an audience to explore deeper into themselves about how they write. The intended audience for this article could be anyone from a high school student, to a published writer or even a poet at the coffee shop; all of the information provided was very informative and helped open others’ eyes when trying to realize and determine the perfect way for them to create their own masterpiece.

Dr. Jane McGonigal presented a very informative presentation. She was very outspoken and confident about what she had to say. The approach that she took on the subject made it very easy, to capture her audience’s attention. Trying to find a common ground with her audience was obviously a great first step. The fact that she took the time to try and relate with her audience, as well as the time to try and explain herself and how she feels about her topic may have made it much easier for the audience to take her seriously. The audience may feel a sense of comfort from her, which makes it easier for them to listen to everything she has to say, as well as trying to understand her opinion in a respectable way. Dr. McGonigal was very informational she used a lot of statistics that were found with much research from creditable institutions. She then shared topics and information that was important to today’s society. She made all of her main points, while including many logos to support them. The way the speaker presented her speech I felt as if I had no choice but to analyze everything she said. She carried herself in such a demanding manor, it was apparent that she wanted to get her point across. She started off with her main idea, “How increasing the hours of game play can help save the world.” Her studies show that “gamers” play an average of 3 billion hours a week. In order for her theory to come true she purposes that everyone play at least an hour of games a day, this would eventually lead to 21 billion hours per week.  However, she isn’t talking about any old video game but games that help improve human skills. These skills would include things such as urgent optimism, social skills, productivity, and challenge skills, each and every one of these areas are very important to obtain when it comes to real world situations. If one is able to master every one of these areas, they are more likely to enjoy real life more than the average person who may feel they are receiving no type of credit for the things they do in life. As well as enjoying life, one will find it much easier to overcome many situations that may come their way in life. Knowing that you have the skills to do so can make things a lot less complicated on an individual. Dr.McGongial used a great example while trying to close up her speech; she explained to us an ancient Greek kingdom which may have been saved by the simple use of games. Kingdom Lidia was in a time of deep depression and suffering, there wasn’t much to do to enlighten the horrid time they were going through. Therefore, an invention was created out of sheep knuckles to provide entertainment for the people around, this invention was dice. It was said that one simple game saved a whole civilization, half of a civilization moved to find new living environments which made it easier for the other half to live. There was recent evidence found that could possible prove this theory true. The speaker set up her presentation very well from beginning to end; she had my full attention and truly convinced me in what she had to say. However, I feel as if I would need more evidence to prove that an effective outcome would come out of all of this. Dr. McGonigal was a very intriguing speaker with great ideas; I believe she has the potential to take her study very far.

Rhetorical Précis "The End of Men"

    In Hanna Rosin’s article “The End of Men.” (2010) her introduction as well as her main idea were very intriguing, she describes how the male gender was dominate opposed to women. The author gives many examples and reasons for what she believes when it comes to this situation, she supports most of her evidence with facts; however at the same time she tends to put some of her opinion in her writing as well which can often make the reader take a second look. The purpose of this article is to show both genders how the world has evolved as how it is continuing to change, women have different morals in modern time, as well as society in general, and by sharing her information she is allowing both sexes to see the change in the way of lie. She seems as if she is trying to grab the attention of both genders, she wants to expose them to the truth, whether they like it or not.

Rhetorical Précis

        In Joe Marshall Hardin’s book “Choices 2.0 Situations for College Writing.” (2010) his introduction as well as the first chapter of his book was very informational, he suggests that “the Writing Process” should be completed while writing any form of literature; which includes things such as prewriting, drafting, revising, proofing, and making edits. The author gives various examples on how to complete these tasks as well as straightforward details on how to accomplish each step in “The Writing Process.” His purpose iin his book is to reach out to his audience in order to provide great writing tips, and opportunities to obtain great writing skills. He seems to aim his attention towards a more hard-working class of people, people whom strive to go above and beyond in their writing.