The Rhetorical Triangle
Key Elements of Rhetoric
The Classical Model and Basic Facts
100

What are the three components of the rhetorical triangle?

Speaker, Audience, Subject

100

What is the purpose of a thesis? (Otherwise known as the author's claim or assertion.)

A clear and focused statement that asserts the speaker or author's knowledge in their subject.

100

Name the five-part structure described in The Classical Model.

The introduction, the narration, the confirmation, the refutation, and the conclusion.

200

Define Persona.

The character the speaker created when he or she writes or speaks.

200

Name all 5 key rhetorical elements.

Purpose, Audience, Topic, Writer, and Context

200

Why do rhetoricians use the Classical Model?

It is the most simple and popularly used structure and is taught as building blocks of essay writing.

300

What do skillful writers have to choose/decide first to sufficiently develop a position in their writing?

A Subject.

300

When analyzing an effective rhetoric example, what is essential to understand and decipher as soon as you read the text?

The context and the purpose behind the work.

300

Define refutation.

Addresses and discredits the opposing argument's claims, asserts the author's own claim through comparison, and helps transition to the conclusion. (Usually appeals to logos.)

400

Before crafting an essay, what should you consider when trying to relate to your audience?

Who will read it? What is the expectation of the audience? Will the audience agree with this opinion?What is the audience's attitude towards this subject? Etc.

400

Rhetoric is always __________. (Think of why speeches or other forms of work are successful.)

Situational- It includes a specific context, such as a special occasion, and a clear purpose behind the reasoning for presenting the piece of work.

400

Define confirmation.

The major part of the text; holds the most solid evidence, facts, and proof of their claim; solidifying their argument. (Often appeals to logos.)

500

What is the Rhetorical Triangle often referred to as? (Another name for the Rhetorical Triangle.)

"The Aristotelian Triangle"- based off of Aristotle's description of the interactions between the speaker, audience, and subject within a work of literature.

500

Rhetoric may suggest deception, but it can serve __________ as well.

Sincerity- Seen in Lou Gehrig's speech on his Appreciation Day in 1939.

500

What does exordium mean in Latin? (HINT: Exordium- the introduction.)

"Beginning a web".

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