Abstract: This article introduces the characteristics of metaphor as a cognitive tool. As the theory of cognitive linguistics claims, metaphor is not just a rhetorical figure of speech, but a cognitive tool. We tend to think about abstract ideas in terms of metaphors. On the other hand, because of its cognitive power metaphor is very useful for manipulative discourses. The article comments on various conceptions of metaphor in contemporary linguistics.

Keywords: metaphor, cognition, concept, manipulation

Rhetoric and Communications E-journal, Issue 19, October 2015, rhetoric.bg/, journal.rhetoric.bg, ISSN 1314-4464

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Abstract: According to the genre-based approach to writing, modeling of a ‘target’- genre consists of a useful tool for teaching and learning in language arts. The current study makes a part of a broader research concerning teaching experimental strategies for fostering argumentative writing to 25 eleven years-old pupils of a Greek elementary school (case research). The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of an original structural model, “the train of argumentation”, as a methodological tool in the context of a socially constructed classroom, to the pupils’ argumentative writing. The proposed model was influenced by Toulminand who used the “journey metaphor” of argumentation for providing pupils with the necessary knowledge about structural exigencies of the argumentative genre. Statistical analysis of data proved: a) a significant augmentation of argumentative text structure awareness, and b) a significant increase in the use of connective devices inserted in the pupils’ written argumentative texts.

Keywords: genre, argumentative writing, metaphor, model, literacy, elementary school, rhetoric, structure.

Rhetoric and Communications E-journal, Issue 19, October 2015, rhetoric.bg/, journal.rhetoric.bg, ISSN 1314-4464

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Abstract: The survey on Part 1 of the ESG and internal quality assurance systems was a key initial activity in the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project ‘Enhancing internal quality assurance systems’ (EIQAS), approved for funding in autumn 2014. EIQAS is a joint initiative of national quality assurance agencies and Rectors’ Conferences and / or higher education institutions (HEIs) from four countries, Poland (Coordinator), Bulgaria, Portugal and Slovenia. It has two objectives. First, it aims to support HEIs in further development of their internal quality assurance (IQA) systems by enhancing their awareness and understanding of Part 1 of the ESG. Second, it aims to support the national agencies in further development of their methodologies for the external assessment of IQA systems at HEIs, thus addressing one of the standards in Part 2 of the ESG. The two main outputs of the project will be a Guide to IQA based on Part 1 of the ESG and a reference framework for comparative analysis of the participating agencies’ methodologies for the external assessment of IQA. More details about EIQAS at: http://www.eiqas.com.

Rhetoric and Communications E-journal, Issue 19, October 2015, rhetoric.bg/, journal.rhetoric.bg, ISSN 1314-4464

Read the original of the text (in English)