Second, we will practise in the imitation of selections from master
writers, in every case fixing our attention on the rhetorical element
each particular writer best illustrates. This imitation will be
continued until we have mastered the subject toward which we are
especially directing our attention, and all the subjects which go to the
making of an accomplished writer.
Third, we will finally make independent compositions for ourselves with
a view to studying and expressing the stock of ideas which we have to
express. This will involve a study of the people on whom we wish to
impress our ideas, and require that we constantly test the results of
our work to see what the actual effect on the mind of our audience is.
Let us now begin our work.
CHAPTER I.
DICTION.
"Diction" is derived from the Latin _dictio,_ a word, and in rhetoric
it denotes choice of words. In the study of grammar we have learned
that all words have logical relationships in sentences, and in some
cases certain forms to agree with particular relationships. We have
also taken note of "idioms," in which words are used with peculiar values.
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