Elements
Rhetorical devices
Thesis or no
Organize it!
What's wrong with it?
100

The main idea of the whole essay is called

Thesis

100

There are how many types of rhetorical devices? 

3

100

Decide if the following sentence could be the thesis of an argumentative essay: Cancer is the most dangerous disease facing mankind today. 

Yes. It is an opinion statement which the author could provide arguments (claims), evidence, and counter arguments about.

100

Label these as thesis, claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

1. However, the majority of stem cells used in today's regenerative medicine come from sources unrelated to embryonic stem cells. 

2. Stem cell research is an area of medical research which is vital to regenerative medicine right now. 

3. Some people consider this research unethical as some types of stem cells are created from fertilized embryos. 

4. Stem cells have the ability to be induced into becoming any other type of cell, as a result it is possible that tissues could be regrown which usually can not be. 

5. Stem cells are extraordinarily powerful!

1. rebuttal

2. Thesis

3. counterclaim

4. evidence

5.claim

100

If this is the introductory paragraph... what's wrong with it? 

Chivalry, traditionally viewed as a code of conduct emphasizing ideals such as honor, bravery, and respect for women, has long been celebrated in literature and culture. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that chivalry can be interpreted as antifeminist. This perspective challenges the notion that chivalry is inherently noble, revealing how it can perpetuate gender inequality and reinforce traditional gender roles.

It has no hook. 


(think of one to add!)

200

The main idea of each paragraph is called

Topic

200

The kind of rhetorical device used here:

Every ad you see in Youtube using a child to describe the situation in Gaza

pathos (emotion)

200

Decide if the following sentence could be the thesis of an argumentative essay:

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. 

No, this could not be a thesis of an argumentative essay. It is a fact. 

200

Label these as thesis, claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

1. We all know that it is increasingly rare for people to TRULY find themselves in actual danger for a social cause these days. 

2. In the U.S. over 3,100 protesters have been arrested, including faculty members and professors, on over 60 campuses for protesting the war. 

3. Anyone who risks their life (even their social life) for a cause they deeply believe in, is a hero. 

4. While it's true that social "death" is not physical danger, it can cause real lasting impacts to someone's mental, emotional, and even financial stability. 

5. True heroes are all around us. 

1. counterclaim

2. evidence

3. claim

4. rebuttal

5. Thesis

200

If this is the introductory paragraph... find the thesis: 

Chivalry, traditionally viewed as a code of conduct emphasizing ideals such as honor, bravery, and respect for women, has long been celebrated in literature and culture. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that chivalry can be interpreted as antifeminist. This perspective challenges the notion that chivalry is inherently noble, revealing how it can perpetuate gender inequality and reinforce traditional gender roles.

chivalry can be interpreted as antifeminist

300

Each paragraph will have ideas that support the thesis called

Claims

300

The kind of rhetorical device used here:


Dr. Oz (a very famous celebrity doctor) suggests using a netti pot to avoid sinus infections

ethos (you are relying on his reputation)

300

Decide if the following sentence could be the thesis of an argumentative essay:

Stem cell research is an area of science that is under dispute regarding its ethics. 

No. This could not be a thesis for an argumentative essay, it is a fact. 

300

Label these as thesis, claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

1. The concept of chivalry should be deeply offensive to both men and women. 

2. Chivalry served a logical place in history when it originated, however the basic principles upon which it stands no longer apply to modern society. 

3. One of the most basic principles of chivalry is the responsibility of the knight to "protect" women. The assumption was that women are "weaker" and thus in need of protection. 

4. It can be argued that the main purpose of chivalry was to establish a code of ethics and values which, if adhered to, would protect all of society. 

5. It is illogical in our modern society to believe that it is possible to create a SINGLE moral code of ethics and values to guide our diverse society, additionally, with the rapid pace that society now develops, any such code would be outdated quicker than the last I-phone model. 

1. Thesis

2. claim

3. evidence

4. counter claim

5. rebuttal

300

If this is a paragraph from the same essay, where is the counterclaim? 

Critics of this perspective may argue that chivalry represents respect and admiration for women. While the intentions behind chivalric behavior may be positive, the implications often reflect a patronizing attitude. Rather than fostering genuine respect, chivalry can lead to a form of benevolent sexism, where women are seen as deserving of special treatment due to their perceived vulnerability. This viewpoint fails to recognize women as equals and instead reinforces the idea that they need to be elevated by men.

Critics of this perspective may argue that chivalry represents respect and admiration for women.

400

Each claim is supported by

evidence

400

The type of rhetorical device used here:

Good citizenship means caring for your neighbors. 

ethos (relying on the implication that it is "right" or ethical to do/say/believe this thing)

400

Decide if the following sentence could be the thesis of an argumentative essay:

Stem cell research is vital to the forefront of regenerative medicine at this time. 

Yes, this could be the thesis of an argumentative essay. It is an opinion statement which can be supported with claims, evidence, and counterclaims. The word "vital" makes it an opinion statement. 

400

Label these as thesis, claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

1. The partition of India was unplanned and poorly executed. 

2. Violence and destruction are an inevitable part of war. 

3. The bloodshed that occurred could have been prevented. 

4. The boarders of the new nations of India and Pakistan were not even published until several days AFTER the official creations of independent Pakistan and India, which led to confusion and chaos. 

5. While violence and destruction may be a typical effect of war, they can certainly be mitigated, especially when provisions are made to ensure the peaceful transfer of power. 

1. Thesis

2. counterclaim

3. Claim

4. evidence

5.rebuttal

400

Where is the rebuttal? 

Critics of this perspective may argue that chivalry represents respect and admiration for women. While the intentions behind chivalric behavior may be positive, the implications often reflect a patronizing attitude. Rather than fostering genuine respect, chivalry can lead to a form of benevolent sexism, where women are seen as deserving of special treatment due to their perceived vulnerability. This viewpoint fails to recognize women as equals and instead reinforces the idea that they need to be elevated by men.

the implications often reflect a patronizing attitude.

500

an argumentative essay gives the "other side" of the argument (the idea the author is not agreeing with) called

the counterclaim

500

The type of rhetorical device used here: Scientists from Stanford university have discovered that there is a 23% decrease in the incidence of development of diabetes type 2 in people who consume 1 oz of dark chocolate 5x a week or more.

logos (it included the exact statistics) If it said only "Scientists from Stanford university have discovered that there is a decrease in the incidence of development of diabetes type 2 in people who consume dark chocolate vs those who abstain. 

^ THAT is ethos. It relies on the reputation of "scientists and stanford, not facts" 

500

Decide if the following sentence could be the thesis of an argumentative essay:

College diplomas are less valuable or necessary to the current generation than they were to previous generations. 

Yes, this could be the thesis of an argumentative essay. 

500

Label these as thesis, claim, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

1. Artificial intelligence can be used in many fields including: education, medicine, surgery, hospitality, and even construction. 

2. Artificial Intelligence is an incredibly useful tool. 

3. Some people worry that replacing workers with AL could endanger the economic stability of workers in the long term, but this position assumes that the economy will continue to rely heavily on menial labor, this does not have to be the case. 

4. 63% of IT and telecom sector organizations utilize AI. 44% of automotive organizations implement AI. 

5. While useful, replacing workers with AI will harm the economy in the long run. 

1. Claim

2. Thesis

3. rebuttal. 

4.evidence 

5. counterclaim

500

What must be in the conclusion paragraph for that essay? What could it say? 

A restatement of the thesis. The thesis was: Chivalry can be seen as antifeminist 

so the restatement would be:

an artifact of a bygone era, the antifeminist ideals of Chivalry have no place in this society of equality and empowerment for all.