Sometimes, it is difficult to figure out
where to go with your argument. Aristotle in the Ars
Rhetorica listed several inventio or "invention
techniques." (The word comes from invenire, a Latin
verb meaning "to discover" or "to come
upon.") These techniques can help a writer generate
ideas while brainstorming. Frequently, these tools can
help students think about an issue and possibly develop
individual paragraphs. Be warned that these techniques
are not a panacea. Some work better than others in specific
essays and arguments. For instance, when discussing whether
or not healthcare should cover myofascial massage, it
may be important to define what exactly a myofascial massage
is, and how particular HMOs categorize it. The reader
probably doesn't know that material. On the other hand,
when writing an essay on automobiles, the reader probably
doesn't need the word "car" defined. Use your best judgement
concerning when to use each technique, or ask a peer what
he or she thinks.
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TECHNIQUE
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Questions that Illustrate
the Technique:
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Narration
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How did it happen? Tell the reader a story
to illustrate a point or set the stage.
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Description
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How can it be described?
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Process
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How is it made? How is it done? How do you
do it?
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Cause
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What causes it?
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Effect
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What effect does it have on other things?
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Compare
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How is it similar to something else?
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Contrast
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How it different than something else?
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Classification
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Is it a part of a larger group? What group
is that?
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Division
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Can it be broken down into smaller groups?
What groups are those?
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Formal definition
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How does an authoritative source define
it, such as a Penal Code, Black's Law Dictionary,
a biochemistry guide, etc.?
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Etymology
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Where does the word come from? Does that
knowledge help understand the problem? (If it doesn't
help, don't bother with the etymology!)
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Example
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What are some examples of it?
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Exposition
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Simply explain it in your own words.
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Negative Definition
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What is it not?
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Possible/impossible
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Could it work? Did it work? Does it work?
Why or why not? What are its limitations?
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History
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Can you give me a history of it?
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Diagram
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Can you draw a diagram showing how it works?
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Anecdote
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Can you tell me a short story to explain
it?
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