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.
Which choice is being used: "The warm, golden sunlight spilled across the field, while the sweet smell of freshly cut grass filled the air.”
Imagery
Which term refers to word choice, particularly as an element of style
Diction
What is one question you should consider when thinking about the audience?
What does the audience value/care about? What do we know about them? How does this impact what is being said?
What is the difference between speaker and author?
Speaker = the person/entity presenting the text; Author = the actual writer.
Which appeal relies on credibility or trustworthiness?
Ethos.
Which choice is being used: "Don't concern yourself with worry on the first day. When I moved to a new school, I felt nervous at first, but making one friend helped me feel like I belonged.”
Personal Anectdote (personal experience)
Why might a writer use repetition?
To emphasize a point
What question should you ask when considering the purpose of the text?
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
Describe the tone: “I’m grateful for the people who supported me and helped me along the way; I know I could never have reached this point alone.”
Appreciative; humble
A question asked to make a point, create a dramatic effect, or get someone to think, rather than to get an answer
Rhetorical Question
Name the parts of the rhetorical situation using the acronym
S - Speaker
P - Purpose
A - Audience
C - Context
E - Exigence
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).
Describe the TONE: I miss the days when life felt simpler, and every little moment seemed to last forever.
nostalgic
Placing things side by side for the purpose of comparison
Juxtaposition
Why should you pay attention to diction (word choice)?
Word choice reveals the tone of the text (also contributes to pathos and other choices)
What’s the difference between context and exigence?
Context = background circumstances; Exigence = immediate cause/need.
Which appeal is used: "If you buy this energy-saving light bulb, it costs $5 today but saves you $50 on your electricity bill over the year."
Logos
Define rhetoric
using language to show meaning/influence audience
Which rhetorical choice is being used: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Charles Dickens
Juxtaposition
What is the difference between the rhetorical situation and rhetorical choices?
Rhetorical situation - The "why" and "where" - circumstances/environment/why a message is needed
Rhetorical choices - The "what" and "how" - actions/decions made by the speaker