Rhetorical Devices
What is a rhetorical question?
Questions asked without expecting an answer.
Questions that are not meant to be answered.
What is the author's claim in "Humans need to explore outer space?"
Humans should continue to explore outer space and make it a priority.
Which sentence is a claim?
A. “Scientists discovered ice on Mars.”
B. “NASA launched a rover in 2012.”
C. “Space exploration is necessary for our future.”
D. “The telescope weighed 11 tons.”
C. “Space exploration is necessary for our future.”
Which detail is evidence from the text?
A. “Exploring space is essential.”
B. “Space travel is dangerous.”
C. “Hubble has made over 1.3 million observations.”
D. “Humans should explore Mars.”
C. “Hubble has made over 1.3 million observations.”
What is the author’s purpose?
A. To entertain with stories about space exploration
B. To explain NASA rules for space exploration
C. To persuade readers to support human space exploration
D. To describe how rockets work in outer space
C. To persuade readers to support human space exploration
What is repetition?
Repeating the same word or phrase
With what rhetorical device does the argument story begin with?
Rhetorical question
Which sentence from the text is a claim about asteroid mining?
A. “Asteroids contain ice.”
B. “Ice can become fuel.”
C. “Mining asteroids would reduce costs.”
D. “Hydrogen and oxygen are found in ice.”
C. “Mining asteroids would reduce costs.”
Which detail supports the claim that Mars may have supported life?
A. Humans want to live on Mars
B. Mars is red
C. Liquid water may exist under the surface
D. The rover is named Curiosity
C. Liquid water may exist under the surface
Which sentence best summarizes the argument?
A. Space travel is too dangerous.
B. Humans must continue exploring space because of the benefits it offers.
C. Space companies are expensive.
D. Robots should replace people.
B. Humans must continue exploring space because of the benefits it offers.
Which of the following is loaded language?
A. “Taken photos”
B. “Extremely beneficial”
C. “Traveled far”
D. “Used a rocket”
B. “Extremely beneficial”
Is the following a reason or evidence?
"As we all we know, this is a risky, but not impossible, proposition."
Reason
Which of these is NOT a claim?
A. “Schools should have uniforms.”
B. “Uniforms cost $200 on average.”
C. “Uniforms improve student focus.”
D. “Uniforms help reduce bullying.”
B. “Uniforms cost $200 on average.”
Which detail supports the claim that the moon has valuable resources?
A. The moon is gray
B. The moon has helium-3
C. People have walked on the moon
D. The moon orbits Earth
B. The moon has helium-3
Which part of the argument is a reason?
A. Astronauts wear suits
B. Mining asteroids gives access to fuel materials
C. The sky is dark at night
D. The ISS floats
B. Mining asteroids gives access to fuel materials
Which sentence below is a rhetorical question?
A. “Did NASA build several spacecraft over the years?”
B. “Would you want to trust a mission to amateurs?”
C. “Did scientists find new data during the mission?”
D. “Is space considered extremely large by astronomers?”
B. “Would you want to trust a mission to amateurs?”
What reason does the author give to support her claim that space exploration should continue?
A. She quotes a famous scientist
B. Mining in space could be a source for useful materials
C. Research shows that oxygen exists in the moon
B. Mining in space could be a source for useful materials
Which statement below is a claim?
A. The Hubble Telescope has taken many photos
B. Humans should continue exploring Mars
C. Water was found on the moon
D. The ISS involves 16 countries
B. Humans should continue exploring Mars
Which evidence supports the claim that space mining can lower fuel costs?
A. Asteroids spin quickly
B. Asteroids contain hydrogen and oxygen
C. The ISS was built in 1998
D. Telescopes collect light
B. Asteroids contain hydrogen and oxygen
Which is the BEST reason to support a claim?
A. “It was told to me in class.”
B. “It makes people happy and healthy.”
C. “Research shows a 40% improvement.”
D. “Everyone agrees.”
C. “Research shows a 40% improvement.”
Which phrase from the text is loaded language?
A. “1.3 million observations”
B. “Incredibly beneficial”
C. “Sixteen nations worked together”
D. “Water was found”
B. “Incredibly beneficial”
Fill in the blank
The Hubble Space Telescope has made more than ____ million observations since its mission began in 1990.
A. 1.2
B. 1.3
C. 1.4
B. 1.3
Which sentence below expresses a claim rather than evidence?
A. “The Hubble Telescope has traveled over 4 billion miles.”
B. “Space exploration is essential for humanity’s long-term survival.”
C. “Asteroids contain hydrogen and oxygen.”
D. “NASA launched the Mars Odyssey mission in 2001.”
B. “Space exploration is essential for humanity’s long-term survival.”
Which detail from the text BEST supports the claim that technological innovation is expanding our ability to explore space?
A. The International Space Station was built by 16 nations.
B. Hubble has made more than 1.3 million observations since 1990.
C. Scientists are unsure whether life exists beyond Earth.
D. Space travel can be expensive and dangerous.
B. Hubble has made more than 1.3 million observations since 1990.
This is specific, measurable evidence that supports the idea that technology has expanded space exploration.
Which sentence shows the author acknowledges risk?
A. “The final frontier is vast.”
B. “Space travel has documented dangers.”
C. “New discoveries keep emerging.”
D. “Scientists remain hopeful.”
B. “Space travel has documented dangers.”