Rhetorical Strategies
Give the definition of ethos, pathos, and logos.
What is establishing credibility, emotional appeal, and logical appeal?
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates how to integrate information from multiple sources to support a claim in an argumentative essay?
A. "According to an article by Dr. Smith, school uniforms help reduce bullying, while a report by the National Education Association also suggests that uniforms promote a more disciplined environment."
B. "Many people believe school uniforms reduce bullying, and some studies show that they might even improve academic performance."
C. "While some argue that school uniforms are restrictive, others say they are necessary to create an equal learning environment."
D. "Dr. Smith states that school uniforms help reduce bullying, but some teachers believe they have little effect on student behavior."
A. "According to an article by Dr. Smith, school uniforms help reduce bullying, while a report by the National Education Association also suggests that uniforms promote a more disciplined environment."
What is the difference between a fact and an opinion in an argument?
A fact is a verifiable statement, while an opinion expresses personal beliefs or feelings.
Which piece of evidence best supports the idea that the main character is feeling isolated in this scene?
A. “She stood alone by the window, watching the others laughing outside.”
B. “The room was filled with people, yet she barely noticed their presence.”
C. “He handed her a letter, and she smiled softly, grateful.”
D. “The sound of voices echoed, but she turned and walked away.
B. “The room was filled with people, yet she barely noticed their presence."
Name one technique you can use in an introduction to engage your reader in an argumentative essay.
Using a surprising fact, a question, or a strong statement can capture the reader’s attention in the introduction.
Give an example of a rhetorical device an author might use to emphasize their purpose.
Rhetorical question or sarcasm
Which of the following is the best example of effectively integrating information from multiple sources to support an argument about climate change?
A. "A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that rising global temperatures are linked to human activity, and a study from the University of Chicago shows that cities are experiencing more frequent heat waves as a result."
B. "Many experts argue that climate change is a serious issue, and there are varying opinions on how much humans are responsible for it."
C. "Climate change affects ecosystems, and the effects can be seen in many areas across the world, including in the polar regions where ice sheets are melting."
D. "Some scientists have said that climate change is an issue, but others believe it might be part of a natural cycle."
A. "A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that rising global temperatures are linked to human activity, and a study from the University of Chicago shows that cities are experiencing more frequent heat waves as a result."
What role does counterargument play in strengthening an argument?
A counterargument shows the author has considered multiple viewpoints, strengthening their argument by addressing and refuting opposing ideas
Which piece of text evidence best exemplifies foreshadowing in the passage, hinting at a future event?
A. "The clouds gathered in the sky, dark and heavy, as if something was coming."
B. "She looked at the clock, then at her shoes, and sighed deeply."
C. "He smiled and promised, 'I'll be back before sunset.'"
D. "The streets were calm, and the air felt unusually still."
A. "The clouds gathered in the sky, dark and heavy, as if something was coming."
Which sentence is the most effective use of pathos in a persuasive essay about animal testing?
A. "Animal testing is a controversial issue, with some arguing that it is necessary for scientific advancement."
B. "Imagine a defenseless puppy locked in a cage, enduring painful tests for cosmetics that we don’t even need."
C. "Many people support animal testing because it helps scientists develop life-saving treatments for humans."
D. "While the cost of animal testing may seem high, the benefits to human health far outweigh the ethical concerns."
B. "Imagine a defenseless puppy locked in a cage, enduring painful tests for cosmetics that we don’t even need."
In a persuasive text, give three ways an author may establish their credibility to strengthen their argument.
By using evidence, demonstrating knowledge of the topic, and connecting to the audience's values or beliefs
What is one way to determine the credibility of a source in informational text?
Check the author’s credentials, publication date, and the organization or source’s reputation to determine credibility.
If you were to write an argumentative writing piece about school uniforms, what would be an example claim you could make?
School uniforms should be mandatory in public schools because...
or
School uniforms should not be mandatory in public schools because...
If a character’s actions reveal their motivation, what kind of evidence would best support that analysis?
Details about the character’s thoughts, actions, or dialogue might reveal motivations, which helps deepen understanding of the character.
Which sentence is the most effective thesis statement for a persuasive essay arguing that schools should implement later start times?
A. "Many students have trouble getting enough sleep, and it’s important to find ways to help them."
B. "Schools should consider later start times to improve student health, academic performance, and overall well-being."
C. "Some schools have experimented with later start times, and results vary."
D. "Starting school later might help some students, but it could cause scheduling problems for others."
B. "Schools should consider later start times to improve student health, academic performance, and overall well-being."
This excerpt is an example of this form of rhetoric...
“Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.”
What is pathos?
Which sentence best integrates information from multiple sources to show the complexity of the issue of gun control?
A. "Some experts believe that stricter gun control laws will reduce violence, while others argue that such laws infringe on personal rights."
B. "While the CDC's research shows that countries with stricter gun laws experience fewer gun-related deaths, a study from the National Rifle Association argues that these laws do not prevent criminals from obtaining firearms."
C. "Gun control is a divisive issue in the United States, with some supporting stricter laws and others defending the Second Amendment."
D. "Research from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that gun control laws are not effective, but other studies argue that more regulation is necessary to reduce gun violence."
B. "While the CDC's research shows that countries with stricter gun laws experience fewer gun-related deaths, a study from the National Rifle Association argues that these laws do not prevent criminals from obtaining firearms."
Define logical fallacy
a flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument
Which piece of text evidence most strongly suggests that the character’s actions are driven by a deep internal conflict?
A. "She gazed out the window, her fingers trembling as she held the letter, knowing she had to make a decision, but not yet ready."
B. "He paced back and forth in the small room, his mind racing with the choices laid out before him, unsure of the next step."
C. "The decision was made for her when the door opened, and she had no choice but to walk through it."
D. "He smiled as he accepted the award, his hands steady and confident, never betraying a hint of doubt."
B. "He paced back and forth in the small room, his mind racing with the choices laid out before him, unsure of the next step."
Which sentence most effectively introduces a counterargument in a persuasive essay?
A. "Many people believe that school uniforms stifle individuality, but research shows that they actually improve focus and reduce peer pressure."
B. "School uniforms are often criticized for limiting personal expression, which many feel is an important part of education."
C. "In recent years, more schools have adopted the use of uniforms, with noticeable improvements in student behavior."
D. "The benefits of school uniforms cannot be overstated; they promote equality and reduce distractions in the classroom."
A. "Many people believe that school uniforms stifle individuality, but research shows that they actually improve focus and reduce peer pressure."
This excerpt is an example of this form of rhetoric...
"I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty-five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago, the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct-action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have basic organizational ties here."
What is ethos?
Which sentence best evaluates and integrates evidence from multiple sources to argue for the benefits of early childhood education?
A. "Many people believe early childhood education is important, but others argue that it puts too much pressure on young children."
B. "Research from the National Institute for Early Education Policy demonstrates that early childhood education significantly improves literacy rates, while a study from the University of Chicago shows that it also increases long-term academic success and social skills."
C. "Some studies show that early childhood education is effective, but others suggest that it may not have a lasting impact."
D. "Studies from various universities show mixed results on the benefits of early childhood education, and many teachers have differing opinions on its effectiveness."
B. "Research from the National Institute for Early Education Policy demonstrates that early childhood education significantly improves literacy rates, while a study from the University of Chicago shows that it also increases long-term academic success and social skills."
What is an example of a slippery slope fallacy, and why does it weaken an argument?
A slippery slope fallacy occurs when someone argues that a relatively small first step will lead to a chain of related events resulting in a significant (usually negative) outcome, without providing evidence for the inevitable progression.
This weakens the argument because it assumes extreme outcomes without proving that each step is likely or inevitable
Which piece of text evidence best demonstrates the character’s shifting perspective on the situation?
A. "At first, she couldn’t see how things could change, but as the days passed, she began to notice small signs of hope in the faces of the people around her."
B. "He had always believed that success came from hard work, but after his unexpected failure, he felt the sting of doubt creep into his thoughts."
C. "The news report spoke of rising tensions, but the room remained quiet, each person lost in their own thoughts."
D. "The door creaked open, and she walked in without hesitation, her eyes already fixed on the task ahead."
A. "At first, she couldn’t see how things could change, but as the days passed, she began to notice small signs of hope in the faces of the people around her."
What is the purpose of a call to action, and where would you place it in an argumentative essay?
A call to action urges readers to do something in response to the argument, usually placed at the conclusion to leave a lasting impact.