The 7 Steps Of Quintillian Rhetoric

Front 1

Exordium

Back 1

this sentence or group of sentences brings up the general area of discussion

Front 2

Narration

Back 2

this is an ancient meaning of the word and is different from the type of composition called narration, the kind that deals with events. the Quintillian narration gives reasons for discussing the area of interest brought up in the exordium, and may, in the occurence of giving reasons, OFFERS A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SUBJECT, which is narrative in both the ancient and modern sense of the word.

Front 3

Exposition

Back 3

this is not exposition as a type of composition but exposition as a definition and specification of the exact area of concern in the discussion to follow

Front 4

Proposition

Back 4

this is the Quintillian term for a thesis statement. it is highly arguable and often has some form of a "should" for a verb.

Front 5

Confirmation

Back 5

this is the multiple paragraph body of the discussion. it has to have at least two paragraphs, but it usually has three or more.

Front 6

Refutation

Back 6

this section discredits the opposition by bringing up a contrary argument and showing why it will not work. the refutation is not part of the outline because it is on a level like the introduction and the conclusion. some writers include the refutation within the conclusion.

Front 7

Peroration

Back 7

is the concluding material, often resident in the same paragraph with the refutation. it often includes an emotional appeal.