The Progymnasmata--Preliminary Rhetoric Exercises
The "progymnasmata" (pro-gym-nahs-MAH-tah, according to some) are time-tested ancient rhetoric/writing exercises that my materials apply in both traditional and contemporary contexts. The progymnasmata exercises are adaptable to the needs of students as young as third grade and of adults - even professional writers. These materials are calibrated primarily to secondary school writers. Through imitating, expanding, condensing, and using other techniques, writers explore the elements of rhetoric in these areas:
| Narrative | Retell a brief narrative with change of narrator, etc. |
| Fable | Retell a familiar fable for a particular purpose |
| Proverb | Analyze and amplify a proverb with examples, etc. |
| Description | Carefully consider time, place, character to present a scene or action |
| Anecdote | Amplify, as iwth the proverb, a larger narrative |
| Refutation/Confirmation | Follow a logical format to demonstrate the truth of an assertion |
| Common Topic | Explore the characteristics of a vice shown in particular people |
| Encomium/Invective | Praise or blame a person for his character |
| Comparison | Argue the worth of one person in light of another |
| Characterization | Portray a literary or historical figure at a particular point in time |
| Thesis | Set forth an assertion and prove it |
| Proposal of Law | Create an argument for presentation in a legislative body |
Available Progymnasmata Materials (downloads with consultation)
-
Tutorials in forms designed for interaction with an instructor/evaluator, in two to three or more parts per exercise - $85 for all three levels
-
- Beginning (Narrative, Fable, Proverb) $25
- Intermediate (Description, Anecdote, Refutation/Confirmation) $25
- Advanced (The second half of the categories in the chart above) $50
- Progym: Classical Writing Workouts for Narrative, Fable, and Proverb - 12 exercises per workbook, $20 each or $50 for all three
Sample Fable Exercise
Progymnasmata Materials - Tutorials
Choose the item(s) desired from the variations below. Cost represents handling and brief consultation to help you make best use of the materials.
Please include with your order a note about how you would like to use the materials, and I will correspond with you briefly, or in a phone call of up to a half hour for an order of $100 or more
$25.00