Common Topics
What is a common topic?
strategies/devices to create effective arguments; "tools in your toolbelt"
When you use this definition technique, you focus on one instance that clearly illustrates the word you are trying to define
What is an example?
True or False? It is impossible to lie with statistics. Numbers don't lie.
False!
"Everyone's doing it" is an example of which fallacy?
Bandwagon
We studied this speech to examine the interaction of ethos, pathos, and logos.
What is "Tear Down this Wall"?
List all five common topics!
definition, testimony, comparison, relationship, circumstance
Why is a thesis necessary in argumentative writing?
To add clarity to your argument, to prevent confusion, to take a clear stand on an issue
You tell your mom that everyone has a 12 AM curfew, so you should have one too. She replies that you wouldn't jump off a cliff if everyone did. Your mom used this testimony technique.
What is a proverb?
Sally pushed me while playing soccer. Therefore, soccer causes violence.
This is an example of which fallacy?
Hasty Generalization
A commercial that relies on the trusted brand it is advertising uses this rhetorical appeal.
What is ethos?
This person created the common topics
Who is Aristotle?
In this definition technique, a writer explains a word in greater detail than what is available in the word's definition
What is description?
If a prosecuting lawyer were making a case to convict a murderer, he or she would likely use this testimony technique/strategy.
What is expert opinion or precedent?
Describe the fallacy of accent.
In this fallacy, you would take someone's words out of context and twist the original meaning or intent of their words.
If a student were giving a presentation in which he or she shared statistics on a phenomenon, that student would be using this rhetorical appeal.
What is logos?
True or False? The common topics are a lens through which you can approach any topic.
True
This subtopic/technique is the origin or history of a word
What is etymology?
This is an example of which testimony technique?
What is testimonial?
My chiropractor said that rising gas prices are due to global warming!
This is an example of which fallacy?
Appeal to illegitimate authority
The 5 Canons of Rhetoric
Invention, Organization, Style, Memory. Delivery
Affection and hate are examples of this definition technique.
What are synonyms and antonyms?
The common topics are part of this rhetorical canon
What is the canon of invention?