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. Values shape beliefs and reactions. Builds credibility.
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.
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).
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.
"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.
Why qualify a claim?
To show complexity and strengthen credibility.
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)
An appeal to logic, evidence, and reasoning
Logos
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.
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.