Rhetorical Analysis
What are the four steps to rhetorical analysis?
Step 1: Identify
Step 2: Evidence
Step 3: Analyze
Step 4: Impact
What is the full and complete definition of ethos?
Speaker or writer builds trust using their experience, status, credibility or authority. Or using their beliefs and morals.
What are the 5 strategies of ethos?
1. Expertise or Experience
2. Reputation, Authority, or Celebrities
3. Trustworthy Language
4. Shared Values or Beliefs
5. Professional Appearance or Presentation
Analyze focuses on who?
The speaker, writer, or author.
Impact focuses on who?
The audience.
What are the full and complete definitions for rhetoric and analysis?
Rhetoric: The art of persuasion. How someone persuades another or builds an argument.
Analysis: Examining or looking at elements and the structure of something. Examining something in detail.
Ethos appeals to...?
Trust
What question does Identify ask of the audience?
What rhetorical appeal is being used, and what specific technique/strategy is creating that appeal?
What question does Analyze ask of the audience?
Why did the speaker use this strategy?
What question does Impact ask of the audience?
What action does the audience take because of the strategy used?
What is the full and complete definition for rhetorical analysis?
Rhetorical Analysis: carefully study an argument or persuasion to explain how the author, speaker, or writer uses words and strategies to convince people.
What question does ethos ask of the audience?
Why should I trust you?
Read the excerpt below and identify the Ethos strategy being used.
"According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing serious illnesses and protecting public health."
Reputation, Authority, or Celebrities
Why did the speaker use this strategy: Shared values and beliefs.
To build a connection with the audience.
What's the impact on the audience by using this ethos strategy: trustworthy language.
The audience is more likely to trust the speaker.
Why is rhetorical analysis an important skill to have outside of English class and the WPA? Give one real-life example of how being able to recognize how someone is trying to persuade you could help you.
Answers will vary, but students should explain that rhetorical analysis helps them recognize how people influence or persuade them and make more informed decisions.
A student is arguing that schools should offer more career and technical education (CTE) programs. Which answer BEST establishes ethos rather than simply making a reasonable argument?"
A. Students deserve opportunities to explore careers that match their interests, skills, and goals.
B. As a high school career counselor who has helped hundreds of students plan for life after graduation, I have seen how hands-on career programs can help students discover their strengths.
C. Career and technical education can give students valuable skills that may help them prepare for the workforce.
D. Research has shown that students benefit from having opportunities to connect what they learn in school to real-world careers.
B. As a high school career counselor who has helped hundreds of students plan for life after graduation, I have seen how hands-on career programs can help students discover their strengths.
Dr. Herbert Stessi, of Environmental Science Associates, recognizes that no single solution will completely solve climate change. However, Stessi has shown through his research that investing in renewable energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve public health."
Reputation, Authority, Celebrities → "Dr. Herbert Stessi, of Environmental Science Associates"
Trustworthy Language → "no single solution will completely solve climate change"
In a full and complete sentence, analyze why the author chose to use the following strategy:
"While this plan is not perfect, it is the most practical solution available."
By using trustworthy language, it makes the speaker appear honest and reasonable.
In a full and complete sentence, what is the impact on the audience?
A presenter uses organized slides and professional visuals.
Any form of: The audience views the speaker as more knowledgeable on the subject matter and will trust what the speaker's presentation.
Your principal currently believes students should not be allowed to use phones during school. You have 30 seconds to convince them otherwise.
Your argument MUST use one or more of the 5 strategies of ethos. Explain what strategy you would use, what you would say, and how your use of ethos would make your principal more likely to consider your argument.
For 500 points, you need to do BOTH:
1. Use ethos effectively including 1 or more of the 5 strategies.
2. Explain why your ethos would persuade the principal.
Read the excerpt and decide which THREE Ethos strategies are used in the passage?
"I recognize that there are valid concerns about the cost of transitioning to renewable energy. However, after spending more than 15 years studying environmental policy, I have found that communities that invest in renewable energy often see long-term economic and environmental benefits. The Environmental Protection Agency has similarly reported that renewable energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, most of us want to leave future generations with a safe and healthy environment, and I believe this is a step worth considering."
Read the excerpt below and identify three Ethos strategies being used.
"After working as a pediatric nurse for 15 years, I have seen how proper nutrition affects students' ability to focus and learn in school. Dr. Elizabeth Zmuda of the American Academy of Pediatrics argues that school meals are essential for student health and academic success. As a community, we all want children to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, which is why schools should continue investing in healthy meal programs."
Identify the two ethos strategies being used and analyze why the speaker chose to use those two strategies.
"Most of us can agree that we want future generations to inherit a clean and healthy environment. While switching to renewable energy will not solve every environmental challenge, it is an important step toward reducing pollution and protecting natural resources for all of us."
The speaker or writer uses shared values and trustworthy language to sound fair and honest while building a connection.
Shared Values or Beliefs → "Most people want future generations to inherit a clean and healthy environment."
Trustworthy Language → "While switching to renewable energy will not solve every environmental challenge..."
Identify the two ethos strategies being used and analyze what the impact would be on the audience by using those two strategies.
"Writer and actress, Mindy Kaling, with more than 20 years of experience in television and film, understands the power of storytelling. Because she has spent much of her career creating stories about identity, family, and growing up, her perspective on the importance of seeing yourself represented in media is insurmountable."
The speaker or writer uses an experienced celebrity, Mindy Kaling to have the impact of trusting the source and expert being presented.
Expertise or Experience → "with more than 20 years of experience in television and film"
Reputation, Authority, or Celebrities → "Mindy Kaling"