The Rhetorical Situation
Define exigence.
Exigence = the urgent problem, situation, or event that prompts writing/speaking. the urgent problem, situation, or event that prompts writing/speaking.
Which appeal uses logic, reasoning, and evidence?
Logos.
Admiring
approving; think highly of; respectful; praising
What is parallelism?
Parallelism = repeating grammatical structures for rhythm/emphasis.
True or False → When analyzing a passage, you should summarize the content first.
False (don’t summarize; analyze instead).
What is the difference between speaker and author?
Speaker = the persona presenting the text; Author = the actual writer.
Which appeal relies on credibility or trustworthiness?
Ethos.
Distressing
heart-breaking; sad; troubling
Why might a writer use repetition?
To emphasize a point or create rhythm.
What’s the first step you should do when reading the prompt?
Identify the rhetorical situation (SOAPStone/SPACE CAT).
Read this: “After a devastating hurricane, the mayor gave a speech asking for federal relief.” Identify the exigence.
Exigence = the hurricane’s devastation.
A charity commercial shows starving children to encourage donations. Which appeal is used?
Pathos
Humble
deferential; modest
Give one example of a rhetorical question and explain why it’s effective.
Example: “Do we want to live in fear forever?” → engages audience, provokes thought.
What acronym can you use to remember the rhetorical situation?
SPACE CAT.
Why is identifying the audience important when analyzing rhetoric?
Audience determines the strategies and appeals used.
A doctor gives a speech on the dangers of smoking. Which appeal is most dominant?
Ethos (doctor’s credibility).
Nostalgic
thinking about the past; wishing for something from the past
In JFK’s “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” identify the rhetorical choice.
Antithesis / parallel structure.
Why should you pay attention to diction and syntax?
They reveal tone and choices.
What’s the difference between context and exigence?
Context = background circumstances; Exigence = immediate cause/need.
Why do the strongest arguments usually include more than one appeal?
Multiple appeals strengthen persuasion.
Laudatory
praising; recommending
Why would a speaker shift from personal anecdotes to statistics?
To appeal to both emotions and logic (blend of pathos + logos).
What’s the difference between what the author says and how the author says it?
What = content/message; How = techniques/choices.