Rhetoric lesson 2

Question 1

Rhetoric

Answer 1

The art of argument and persuasion; how language used by a writer to persuade or motivate a specific audience.

Question 2

Ethos

Answer 2

When talking about ethos, you’re talking about how the audience will view the author’s authority on the subject. You may consider how the author has established authority by demonstrating their educational background, their experiences with the subject, or other things about themselves (attitudes, prejudices, beliefs, etc.) that might impact your trust in them or their ideas

Question 3

Sympathetic

Answer 3

They don’t need to be persuaded that your position is correct. You can write to move them to action or celebrate a success. Many political blogs (The Huffington Post(opens in a new tab),

Question 4

Neutral

Answer 4

This includes those who haven’t determined quite where they stand on the issue because they are uninformed or undecided. In a political context, a speechwriter would focus on what information these people need in order to make a decision.

Question 5

Resistant

Answer 5

They tend to be the most difficult audiences to write towards since they are furthest from your own perspectives. An example would be a Democrat writing a column for a Republican website.

Question 6

Pathos

Answer 6

Arguments rooted in pathos persuade an audience by speaking to their emotions. This appeal requires the audience to feel something in response to the subject.

Question 7

Logos

Answer 7

When we talk about logos, we are referring to an argument that rests on reason and logic. We also include those arguments that make use of facts and statistics for support. Scholarly documents are typically logos driven.

Question 8

Genre

Answer 8

A genre is a category of writing that often suggests a particular form. As a reader, consider the genre being used. Does it suit the occasion or the tone of the piece? Could a writer have conveyed his/her ideas more effectively in a video instead of an essay?

Question 9

Rhetorical Triangle

Answer 9

The Rhetorical Triangle is a deceptively simple diagram that shows the importance of the relationship between the audience, the writer, and the message. Anticipating the audience is equally important. In general, there are three types of audiences: Resistant, Neutral, Sympathetic.

Question 10

Figurative language

Answer 10

The rhetorical move of making a connection between two seemingly dissimilar things.

Question 11

Argument

Answer 11

Propositions about the truth, value, or meaning of something, backed with evidence and appeals.