Quiz #1

Question 1

What is an argument?

Answer 1

An argument is not a fight (which consists of anger and hostility) nor a debate.

The definition of an argument is “find through a process of rational inquiry, the best solution to a problem or issue.” Arguments can be either explicit or implicit.

Question 2

Implicit argument…

Answer 2

Persuades its audience toward a certain point of view in an indirect way.

• Implied
• Advertisements, photographs, poems, novels, cartoons, etc.

Question 3

Explicit argument…

Answer 3

Directly states controversial claim and supports it with reasons and evidence.

• Essays, editorials

Question 4

Defining features of argument

Answer 4

1) argument requires justification of its claims (reasons that will appeal to the target audience)
2) argument is both a process and a product
3) argument combines elements of truth seeking and persuasion

Question 5

Exploratory strategies for reading and writing arguments:

Answer 5

1) Finding issues to explore
2) Placing texts in a rhetorical context/genre
3) Reading to believe (emphatic listening): suspend your biases, empathy (to identify with others’ feelings), try to see the world through another person’s eyes, find places in the text that resonate with you.
4) Reading to doubt: turn your mental energy towards raising objections, don’t let yourself be overpowered by others.

Question 6

What is rhetorical context?

Answer 6

Where and when an argument was published

Question 7

What is genre?

Answer 7

A recurring type or pattern

Question 8

Three kinds of persuasive appeals (The Rhetorical Triangle) consist of…

Answer 8

Logos

Pathos

Ethos

Question 9

What is “logos”?

Answer 9

Words. Its message is logical appeal (provides reasons and evidence).

Question 10

What is “pathos”?

Answer 10

Suffering. Its message is emotional appeal (provides narratives, examples, and images).

Question 11

What is “ethos”?

Answer 11

Character. Its message is ethical appeal (credibility of the writer/speaker conveyed through the tone, style, and attention given to the opposing views).

Question 12

What is the definition of issue?

Answer 12

Any topic of concern or controversy gives rise to opposing views.

Question 13

What is an issue question?

Answer 13

Questions that provoke disagreement about the best answer.

Question 14

How to identify issue and information questions?

Answer 14

If your relationship with the audience is that of a teacher to a learner, then the question is probably an information question.

If your relationship with the audience is that of advocate to decision maker or jury, then the question is probably an issue question.