Minor Assignment 1 (repost): The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science by Scott L. Montgomery2/15/2018 According to the Oxford Dictionary, rhetoric is defined as “The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.” Similarly, in the Second Edition of “The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science,” Scott L. Montgomery uses the opening chapters to define scientific writing as “storytelling” that is “also engaged in rhetoric by aiming not just to tell but to persuade.” Montgomery goes on to make the important point that scientific writing “not only has meaning but is meaningful.”
To make this more concrete for his readers, the author shares and analyzes examples of scientific text over the course of history that evidence the importance of persuasiveness in effective scientific writing. It becomes clear right from the first chapter that considering science in the context of rhetoric can make it more enlightening for readers and writers alike. This is particularly true when the composition of the text has been written by a writer that considers not only the fact-based content that they are sharing but also the importance of the use of rhetorical techniques in sharing that information. As essential examples, Montgomery highlights the use of transitions and sentence rhythm and length to show how rhetorical methods can be used to add more meaning to scientific writing. I believe that one of the most important reasons for talking about rhetoric in a science writing course is to help us understand the critical need to leverage rhetorical techniques to strengthen our arguments, add clarity to our writing and to ultimately be more effective communicators. I think that in science especially, rhetoric is critical because it deals with things that readers may not understand. Because of the complexity of many scientific topics, and the heavy use of jargon and scientific terms, it becomes critically important for a scientific writer to leverage the devices necessary to make their point clearer. Doing so allows us, as writers, to convince our readers of the validity of our statements. It also prevents us from having to fully explain all principles involved to prove it to them.
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AuthorHi! I am Collin Barker and I am a Marine Biology Major at Roger Williams University, an avid reader and fish keeper. To learn more about me check out my About page. Archives
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