Rhetorical Strategies and Literary Devices
"In the face of oppression, our forefathers rallied together for freedom, just as we must rally together for justice. In the fight for liberty, they stood firm, and in the fight for equality, we must stand firm."
What rhetorical strategies are being used in this passage, and what is their intended effect on the audience?
The rhetorical strategies include historical allusion and parallel structure. These strategies link past and present struggles, emphasizing unity and determination, and urging the audience to take collective action.
"Her response to the teacher’s question was so succinct that it left no room for further discussion." What does succint mean?
"Succinct" means brief and clearly expressed, with no unnecessary details.
How does the author achieve his purpose? The Slim-O-Matic will help you lose pounds and inches from your body in only one month. This amazing machine helps you to exercise correctly. If you buy now, you will also receive an easy video to show you the proper way to exercise. Send $75.99 and begin exercising today.
The author uses words like help, lose, amazing, easy, proper and today to achieve his purpose of persuading the audience that this product will help them lose weight.
True or False: A rhetorical analysis includes an evaluation of the author's efficacy.
True
"The author discusses the benefits of renewable energy, focusing on its potential to create jobs, reduce pollution, and make the economy more sustainable." What rhetorical strategy is being used here?
Appeal to logos to persuade the audience
Name the two rhetorical techniques found in the passage below:
"Because of this, we will be stronger. Because of this, we will grow together. Because of this, we will find the tenacity to overcome whatever subsequent challenges come our way."
Cause & Effect, Repetition
"The lawyer gave a prudent recommendation, advising his client to settle the case rather than risk going to trial."
What does the word prudent mean?
"Prudent" means showing good judgment and caution in making decisions. Synonyms: wise, careful, cautious, sensible.
This type of narration involves the narrator knowing the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
What is third-person omniscient point of view?
How many paragraphs should you write in your written responses and what is the format for comparison essays?
4-5 paragraphs:
Intro (with thesis)
Body: similarities (Claim/topic sentence; context; evidence; analysis/reasoning; second piece of evidence; analysis/reasoning)
Body: differences
Conclusion
Evaluate the evidence: "In a 2020 survey, 85% of people reported feeling more connected to their communities after participating in local volunteer work, showing the positive effects of community engagement."
The evidence presented relies on a 2020 survey that reports 85% of people feel more connected after volunteering, but it lacks details on the survey's source, methodology, sample size, and whether the sample is representative.
Additionally, while the correlation between volunteering and community connection is noted, the statement does not establish causality or account for other potential influencing factors.
What literary device is used in this sentence?
"The wind whispered through the trees, carrying secrets from long ago."
Personification
"The paragon of kindness, she always helped others without expecting anything in return."
What does the word paragon mean?
"Paragon" means a model of excellence or perfection in a particular quality. Synonyms: ideal, model, exemplar, epitome.
Explain the difference between speaker, purpose, and exigence
Speaker: what do we know about the author
Purpose: Inform, entertain, or persuade
Exigence: What is the urgency or reason for the communication? What prompted the speaker to address this issue or topic at this particular time?
Question: What type of structure is being used in this text?
"In 1922, the tomb of King Tutankhamun was first discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter. After months of careful excavation, the team uncovered the tomb's contents, including priceless treasures. One year later, the findings were meticulously analyzed, leading to groundbreaking insights into ancient Egyptian culture. This discovery has since influenced modern archaeology and our understanding of Egyptian history."
Chronological structure (or sequential structure)
Evaluate the evidence: "Experts in the field of climate science, including Dr. Jane Smith of MIT, have repeatedly stated that urgent action is required to combat rising global temperatures."
The evidence relies on expert testimony, which is strong but it lacks specific details about the studies or data supporting the claims made by Dr. Jane Smith and other experts. Without providing sources or direct findings, the statement's credibility is weakened, as it relies on authority rather than presenting concrete evidence.
"The economy is a tightrope, where one misstep could send everything into a downward spiral."
Question: What literary device is used in this sentence?
Metaphor
"Her ebullient personality lit up the room, making everyone feel more lively and full of enthusiasm." What does ebullient mean?
"Ebullient" means full of energy, enthusiasm, or excitement, often in an exuberant way.
"The speaker describes personal calamities caused by climate change, using descriptive language to highlight the human cost of inaction."
What rhetorical appeal is being used here and what is the impact?
Pathos – It evokes emotional responses, making the audience feel a sense of urgency and empathy, motivating them to take action.
What type of structure is being used in this text?
"Traditional energy sources like coal release harmful emissions, while renewable energy sources such as wind and solar produce little to no greenhouse gases. This difference highlights the environmental benefits of switching to cleaner energy."
Compare and contrast structure
Infer the purpose and audience: "In today's digital age, privacy is no longer a luxury but a fundamental right that must be protected. With personal information being collected at every turn, it is crucial that governments and corporations prioritize the security of our data over their desire for profit."
The purpose of the text is to most likely to persuade policymakers or technology companies to create stronger protections of personal privacy in the digital age.
What literary device is used in this sentence?
"The city’s skyline glittered with modern glass towers, while just a few blocks away, old brick buildings stood crumbling, forgotten by time."
Juxtaposition
"The lawyer’s argument was so cogent that even the most skeptical members of the jury voted unanimously in favor of the defendant."
What does the word cogent mean?
"Cogent" means clear, logical, and convincing.
What is the tone? "We stand at a crossroads, and while the path ahead is fraught with challenges, we have the power to overcome them. Together, we can face the obstacles that stand in our way."
Optimistic and determined
Write a rhetorical analysis of this excerpt from President Johnson’s speech.
Excerpt from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Speech to Congress on the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964): "The attacks on the high seas have now been answered. We are ready to defend our nation and the interests of freedom. Our purpose is to maintain peace and prevent further aggression. We will use all means necessary to protect our country and our allies."
In this excerpt from President Johnson’s speech, the speaker is President Lyndon B. Johnson, who seeks to establish credibility as the Commander-in-Chief and a defender of national security. The purpose of the speech is to justify U.S. military escalation in Vietnam following the Gulf of Tonkin incident, presenting the need for action as vital for peace and freedom. The context of the speech is the Cold War-era tension and the immediate aftermath of an alleged attack on U.S. ships, while the audience is Congress, to whom Johnson appeals for support in securing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and increasing military intervention.
What is the purpose of this text, and who is the intended audience?
"Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. During this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is essential for life on Earth."
The purpose of the text is to explain how photosynthesis works and its importance for life on Earth. The intended audience is likely high school students.