Unit 1/ Vocab 1: Basic Rhetoric

Question 1

Audience

Answer 1

The listener, viewer, or reader of a text

Question 2

Connotation

Answer 2

Meanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its dictionary definition; usually positive or negative; can affect tone

Question 3

Denotation

Answer 3

The dictionary definition of a word

Question 4

Author’s Purpose

Answer 4

The goal the speaker/ writer wants to achieve

Question 5

Rhetoric

Answer 5

The principles that govern the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively

Question 6

SOAPStone

Answer 6

A mnemonic device that stands for subject, occasion, audience, purpose, speaker, and tone, the elements that make up a rhetorical situation

Question 7

Logos

Answer 7

An appeal based on logic or reason; appeals are made by offering clear, rational ideas and using specific details, examples, facts, statistics, or expert testimony

Question 8

Occasion

Answer 8

The time and place a speech is given or a piece is written

Question 9

Context

Answer 9

The circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text

Question 10

Ethos

Answer 10

An appeal based on the character/ reputation/ credibility of the speaker

Question 11

Persona

Answer 11

The face or character that a speaker shows to his or her audience

Question 12

Pathos

Answer 12

An appeal based on emotion

Question 13

Rhetorical triangle

Answer 13

A diagram that illustrates the interrelationship among the speaker, audience, and subject

Question 14

Speaker

Answer 14

The person or group who creates a text

Question 15

Rhetorical question

Answer 15

A question that does not expect an explicit answer; used to pose an idea to be considered by the speaker or audience

Question 16

Propaganda

Answer 16

The spread of ideas and information to further a cause; negatively, it is used as rumors, lies, disinformation, and scare tactics in order to damage or promote a cause