Asserts that students have difficulty presenting convincing arguments because they have little experience with well-reasoned argumentation. Outlines the parts of an argument and how to practice oral and written argumentation. States that students need specific criteria with which to analyze/evaluate writing and a gradual move from teacher-led work…

Discusses three aspects of reading (inferring, reasoning analogically, and learning). Demonstrates in sample texts their role in building consensual meaning in persuasive business communications. Proposes four guidelines to supplement guidelines already developed. (SR)

A preliminary descriptive framework of the rhetorical structure of the argumentative essay is proposed. Research results are used to show that a "categories analysis" can clarify the structure of written texts and provide pedagogically useful materials. (15 references) (Author/LB)

Investigates whether 7-11 year old children are capable of nonchronological writing (exposition, argument, categorizing, comparison, and hypothesizing), and if so, how they are best supported when writing in these genres. Finds that such children were able to undertake nonchronological writing and produce acceptable results. (RS)

Investigates the strategies preschoolers use in arguments to establish power and dominance. Identifies a broad range of verbal and nonverbal strategies to gain power. Shows that power is collaboratively constructed and negotiated on the basis of the social organization of the moment. (SR)

Research projects within the European Community (EC) have used different strategies and instruments for information dissemination and lobbying on national and international levels. The scientific community must have stronger autonomous representation in Brussels as an equal partner of the EC bureaucracy, similar to that in some member states.…

Explored the interactive effects of three major variables affecting message acceptance: (1) source credibility; (2) degree of recipient involvement; and (3) locus of control. Canadian students (381) evaluated a political party's views and credibility. Found credibility had an impact on message acceptance and externally controlled recipients were…

Argues that, by identifying physicist Erwin Schrodinger's book "What is Life?" as inspirational community-forming discourse, it is possible to recognize the rhetorical artistry of his negotiation between two audiences. Notes that the book builds common ground, applies productive ambiguity at a key point of collision, and skillfully…

The quantitative methodology of GOLDVARB is used to examine the variable distribution of lexical noun phrases representing core arguments of the verb in a corpus of spoken French and Spanish. The distribution is shown to conform to a grammatically and pragmatically motivated pattern known as Preferred Argument Structure. (Contains 26 references.)…

Explores, through rhetorical criticism, the prismatic character of the Gettysburg Address. Gives attention to the form and constituents of Lincoln's speech and to available topoi that were omitted from it. (SR)

Argues that persuasive qualities in the Plan of Delano (a powerful persuasive document in the interrelated Chicano and farm worker's movements of the 1960s and 1970s) are illuminated best from the perspective of its own ethnic legacy. Demonstrates that the Plan's Mexican-originated generic form and Mexican-American cultural context reveal sources…

Discussion of techniques for college and university fundraising among international alumni looks at targeting prospective donors and their parents, keeping prospects connected to the institution through overseas student and faculty activities and alumni volunteers, communicating the importance of philanthropy, selecting a language to use, and…

Contributes to the building of journalism and news-reporting theory and scholarship on news reception. Finds a ubiquitous use of examples presented in media coverage confirming the angle from which a story has been presented. Finds that exemplars are often presented along with vague generalizations, which leave the viewer little chance of judging…

Contributes to scholarship on agenda setting by examining the correlation between the agendas of the Christian Coalition and major U.S. newspapers. Finds highly significant relationships between the agenda of the Christian Coalition's official newspaper and the media agenda, as well as statistically significant second-level effects, indicating…

This article describes a unit on art appreciation and persuasive writing taught to 57 identified gifted fourth-grade students in a pullout program. The importance of teaching art appreciation to stimulate critical thinking is emphasized. The lesson process is provided, along with the hamburger model for persuasive writing. (Contains references.)…