Rhetorical Situation
What are the main elements of a rhetorical situation?
the exigence, audience, speaker/author, purpose, context, and message.
Why consider audience’s values?
To make the message persuasive/relevant.
Define claim.
A statement of position or opinion.
What is an overarching thesis?
The central claim that controls the argument.
What does it mean to qualify a claim?
To add nuance/sophostication with conditions or alternative perspectives.
What does exigence mean?
The urgency/problem that motivates the argument
An appeal to the character, credibility, or trustworthiness of the speaker/author.
Ethos
Define evidence.
Facts, examples, or data supporting a claim.
True/False: Thesis always appears at beginning.
False.
Add a modifier: Fill blank: Homework should be banned, ___ in elementary schools.
Especially.
True/False: The audience always interprets as intended?
False
In an argument, what is the risk of ignoring needs?
Argument may fail or audience may reject it.
Define reasoning.
Reasoning is the explanation that connects the evidence to the claim in an argument. It shows why or how the evidence supports the point being made
Which is overarching thesis: A) Challenges B) Flexible schedules?
Flexible schedules
Which is qualified claim: A) Tech is bad B) Tech distracts & connects?
Tech distracts & connects
What role does purpose play?
It explains what the author wants the audience to do/think.
Which appeal connects with emotions?
Pathos
Why isn’t opinion enough as evidence?
Because evidence must be verifiable/credible.
What clues identify thesis?
Placement, repeated ideas, main claim.
Why qualify a claim?
To show complexity and strengthen credibility.
Give a real-life rhetorical situation.
Any valid example, e.g., ad, speech, protest.
An appeal to logic, evidence, and reasoning
Logos
Which is evidence: A) Homework banned B)c
Stanford study
Why is thesis important?
It reveals author’s main claim & structure.
Rewrite: Social media destroys teenage lives.
Yes, social media can harm when overused but can connect responsibly.