Mastering Argumentation & Literary Techniques

Understanding Argumentative Writing

Argumentation is a form of expression that aims to defend or refute an idea or thesis through a series of arguments or reasons to demonstrate its validity.

Parts of an Argument

• Thesis Exposure: States the idea we intend to defend or refute. This should be done simply and accurately.
• Reasoning: These are the arguments or reasons provided to support our point of view.
• Conclusion: Here, we concisely summarize all arguments.

Key Rhetorical Devices & Literary Resources

Phonic Resources

• Alliteration: Occurs when several consecutive words repeat a single sound.
• Anaphora: Consists of repeating one or more words at the beginning of two or more lines or clauses.

Syntactic Resources

• Hyperbaton: This device alters the logical order of a sentence.
• Asyndeton: Consists of the removal of conjunctions between sentences or clauses.
• Polysyndeton: The repetition of conjunctions, especially copulative ones (e.g., and), within a sentence or series of clauses.
• Parallelism: Involves distributing words, phrases, and sentences in parallel structures to achieve a rhythmic effect.
• Ellipsis: Occurs when an element is omitted from the sentence because it is implied or understood.

Semantic Resources

• Antithesis: Consists of contrasting two antonymous words or ideas.
• Comparison: Involves relating one reality to another that resembles it, often using "like" or "as."
• Hyperbole: An exaggeration of reality intended to impress the reader.
• Personification: Attributing human qualities or feelings to inanimate beings or abstract concepts.

Elements of Engaging Narrative

A narrative must be interesting, combining moments of tension and intrigue with those of calm and relaxation.

Incorporate character dialogue, introduce false leads, and utilize all available resources to capture the reader's attention.

Understanding Various Written Documents

Types of Letters

• Friendly and Family Letters: Used for personal communication with familiar individuals.
• Business and Professional Letters: Pertain to business and professional contexts.
• Circulars: Designed to be sent to many people simultaneously.
• Open Letters: Those sent to newspapers for public dissemination.

Official Documents

• Authorization: A document used when a person needs to perform a task but cannot, delegating another to act on their behalf.
• The Instance: A formal document used to make an application, typically to an official body.
• Licenses: A document issued by an authorized person, usually an official, formally recording a reality or granting permission for specific reasons (e.g., studies, medical, driving).

Structure of a Novel

Introduction

Explains how the action unfolds and the techniques used to engage the reader in the narrative.

The Action (Plot)

The sequence of events that drive the plot. It must connect various occurrences and provide detailed information for comprehension.

The action progresses over time, with the initial situation evolving and transforming towards a conclusion.