terms of argumentation

Question 1

rhetoric

Answer 1

Rhetoric is the art of effective or persuasive communication. Rhetoric is not just about what is said, but how it is said, and how well it connects with the audience’s emotions, logic, and beliefs.

Question 2

argument

Answer 2

an argument refers to a reasoned attempt to convince an audience of a particular point of view, position, or claim. The argument is not just about expressing an opinion; it’s about using evidence and rhetorical strategies to support that opinion and persuade the audience.

Question 3

exigence

Answer 3

exigence refers to the urgent issue or problem that prompts a speaker or writer to craft an argument or deliver a message. It’s the reason or situation that makes communication necessary at a specific moment. The exigence is essentially the “why” behind the argument

Question 4

zeitgeist

Answer 4

a German word that translates to “spirit of the time.” It refers to the intellectual, cultural, moral, or political climate of a particular period in history. ( The zeitgeist of the 1960s in the United States was shaped by the civil rights movement, the counterculture, and anti-Vietnam War protests. It was a time of rebellion, social change, and activism.)

Question 5

rhetorical situation

Answer 5

a rhetorical situation takes into account the context of why what is being said is being said: speaker, audience, purpose, exigence, etc

Question 6

pathos/logos/ethos

Answer 6

pathos (appeal to emotion) - connect with the audience on an emotional level and influence their response.
logos (appeal to logic) - To convince the audience through clear, logical reasoning and evidence.
ethos (appeal to credibility) - To make the audience believe that the speaker is credible and reliable, and therefore worth listening to.

Question 7

line of reasoning

Answer 7

refers to the logical progression of ideas that a writer or speaker uses to support their argument. It is the structured path that connects the evidence and claims to the overall conclusion. A clear and well-organized line of reasoning helps guide the audience through the argument in a way that is both coherent and persuasive.

Question 8

commentary

Answer 8

refers to the explanation or analysis that a writer or speaker provides to clarify, support, or expand on a claim, argument, or piece of evidence. Commentary helps the audience understand how and why the evidence or point being made is relevant, and it connects the ideas back to the overall argument or thesis.