Rhetorical devices
Paragraph 15- Explain the following rhetorical question: Why is it that when we go to the supermarket we are able to have an incredible choice of fruits and vegetables before us...?
He isn't seeking an answer from the audience; rather, he uses the question to lead them to his conclusion that this abundance is directly caused by the agricultural system supported by bees.
In the context of the FAST ELA Reading assessment, a T-Chart is a powerful visual strategy.
What is the purpose of the T chart?
Organizes Conflicting Arguments: It allows you to place Passage 1's claims on the left and Passage 2's counterclaims on the right, making it easy to see where the authors disagree.
Read question #2 in the packet. What is the answer and why?
Stagnated-
Definition: To stop developing, growing, or showing activity; to become stale or foul from standing still.
Usage in Text: Heinz notes that while the government provided high price supports, these supports actually led to an increase in honey imports from abroad while "domestic honey production stagnated".
How does Senator Heinz establish ethos and provide political context in his argument against the honey program?
Ethos and Precedent: Heinz references his previous support for an amendment by then Senator and Vice President Dan Quayle, signaling that his current stance is consistent with past leadership.
What is loaded language?
Loaded language is when speakers use specific words to trigger emotional responses.
Read question #4 in the packet. What is the answer and why?
Why does the speaker in Passage 2 begin with the information in paragraphs 11 and 12?
Answer: C
Senator Conrad opens his speech by establishing ethos, a rhetorical appeal designed to build authority and trust with his audience.
What is the rhetorical device used and explain the authors use of the following rhetorical device in paragraph 7?
"Over the last 5 years, our honey support program has cost the Federal Government an average of $77 million per year. That's more than $37,000 a year for each of the 2,100 commercial beekeepers in the program."
Technique: Logos (Statistical Breakdown)
He takes a large, abstract number ($77 million) and "humanizes" it by breaking it down to $37,000 per beekeeper. This makes the cost feel more personal and outrageous to the average taxpayer.
To answer a question about the "effectiveness" of the program, a student should look at which 2 paragraphs?
What is Paragraph 3 and 5?
Read question #1 in the packet.
1. State the rhetorical device used.
2. What evidence does the author use to support his point.
The Math of Fairness: By citing the total cost ($77 million) and dividing it by the number of participants, he calculates that each beekeeper receives roughly $37,000.
The "Millionaire Club" Logic: His goal is to frame the program not as a broad public necessity, but as a "sweetheart deal" for a tiny elite.
Logos as Criticism: He uses these numbers to prove that the government is spending a massive amount of taxpayer money to benefit a very small, specific group of people.
What is the rhetorical device used and explain the authors use of the following rhetorical device in paragraph 17?
Technique: Pathos (Fear) and Vivid Imagery
The author uses the varroa mite as a biological villain that is "decimating" and "absolutely wiping out" the bee population. It turns a dry policy debate into a race against time and nature.
When Passage 2 addresses the "wild bee" argument mentioned in Passage 1, it is performing this specific rhetorical move to weaken the opponent's stance.
What is a Counterargument (or Rebuttal)?
What is the answer and why? Question #5-- “Mr. President, the chart that was shown by the Senator from South Dakota says it all.” (paragraph 13)
What does the speaker suggest about the chart with the phrase “says it all”?
A. The chart explains both sides of an issue.
B. The chart informs the audience in a relatable way.
C. The chart shows enough evidence to prove the claim.
D. The chart presents an interesting visual aspect of the argument.
The correct answer is C. The chart shows enough evidence to prove the claim.
Why this is the Answer--
In rhetorical terms, the phrase "says it all" is used to describe a piece of evidence that is so powerful or comprehensive that it requires no further explanation to prove a point.
How does Senator Conrad use a combination of personal anecdote (ethos) and scientific urgency (pathos) to address the counterargument that wild bees can handle pollination without government-subsidized hives?
Personal anecdote (ethos)-Conrad admits he once believed wild bees were sufficient until he attended a hearing; (pathos) he then warns that the varroa mite is a "parasite" currently "decimating" the wild bee population, potentially wiping them out within 3 years.
In Passage 1, Senator Heinz refers to the honey program as a "sweetheart deal" and the "millionaire bees club". What is the primary purpose of using this loaded language?
A) To provide a technical definition of agricultural subsidies.
B) To establish a neutral tone while discussing government spending.
C) To appeal to the taxpayer's sense of indignation regarding unfairness.
D) To cite official terminology used by the Congressional Research Service.
C) To appeal to the taxpayer's sense of indignation regarding unfairness.
Read question #3 in the packet. What is the answer and why?
Test-Taking Strategy: "Specific Evidence"
When a question asks how a speaker develops an idea, look for the most specific data points they repeat. Heinz repeatedly returns to the dollar amount per beekeeper and the failure of the domestic market versus imports, making B and E the strongest evidence-based answers.