Rhetorical Situation
Audience
Claims & Evidence
Overarching Thesis
Qualifying Claims
100

What are the main elements of a rhetorical situation?

the exigence, audience, speaker/author, purpose, context, and message.

100

Why consider audience’s values?

To make the message persuasive/relevant. Values shape beliefs and reactions. Builds credibility.

100

Define claim.

A statement of position or opinion.

100

What is an overarching thesis?

The central claim that controls the argument.

100

What does it mean to qualify a claim?

To add nuance/sophostication with conditions or alternative perspectives.

200

What does exigence mean?

The urgency/problem that motivates the argument

200

An appeal to the character, credibility, or trustworthiness of the speaker/author.

Ethos 

200

Define evidence.

Facts, examples, or data supporting a claim.

200

True/False: Thesis always appears at beginning.

False.

200

Fill in the blank with an appropriate modifier to turn this into a qualified claim:

"Fast food is ______ unhealthy, especially when eaten in large amounts over time."

somewhat (other acceptable answers: often, generally, usually).

300

True/False: The audience always interprets as intended?

False

300

In an argument, what is the risk of ignoring needs?

Argument may fail or audience may reject it.

300

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

300

Which is overarching thesis: A) Challenges B) Flexible schedules?

Flexible schedules

300

Which is qualified claim: A) Tech is bad B) Tech distracts & connects?

Tech distracts & connects

400

What role does purpose play?

It explains what the author wants the audience to do/think.

400

Which appeal connects with emotions?

Pathos

400

Why isn’t opinion enough as evidence?

Because evidence must be verifiable/credible.

400

"Schools today face many challenges, but the most urgent issue is student mental health. To support students effectively, schools must reduce excessive testing, increase access to counseling, and build schedules that allow more balance between academics and personal time."

Which sentence represents the overarching thesis?

A. Schools today face many challenges, but the most urgent issue is student mental health.
B. To support students effectively, schools must reduce excessive testing, increase access to counseling, and build schedules that allow more balance between academics and personal time.

B. To support students effectively, schools must reduce excessive testing, increase access to counseling, and build schedules that allow more balance between academics and personal time.

400

Why qualify a claim?

To show complexity and strengthen credibility.

500

What is a rhetorical situation

the context in which communication (writing, speaking, or media) happens. It explains why an argument exists, who it’s for, and what it’s trying to achieve. (a speech, an advertisement, an editorial, a text message)

500

An appeal to logic, evidence, and reasoning

Logos

500

Banning single-use plastic bags will benefit cities by reducing waste and keeping streets cleaner. A 2021 city sanitation report showed that neighborhoods with bag bans collected 40% less plastic litter than those without such policies."

Which part is the evidence?

A. Banning single-use plastic bags will benefit cities by reducing waste and keeping streets cleaner.
B. A 2021 city sanitation report showed that neighborhoods with bag bans collected 40% less plastic litter than those without such policies.

B. A 2021 city sanitation report showed that neighborhoods with bag bans collected 40% less plastic litter than those without such policies.

500

Why is thesis important?

It reveals author’s main claim & structure.

500

Rewrite: Social media destroys teenage lives.

Yes, social media can harm when overused but can connect responsibly.

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