Rhetoric

Rhetoric

Pre-AP English 1 2021-22​

First... let's review argumentative writing.

​Answer a few questions about argumentative writing, recalling our notes and lesson from last Friday.

Multiple Choice

What's the name of the sentence that states your stance on the topic you're writing about?

• Argument statement

• Stance

• Claim

• Counterclaim

Multiple Choice

True or False: Counterclaims provide evidence to support YOUR argument, as stated in your claim.

• True

• False

What is rhetoric?

Rhetoric is a term for how you build an argument and persuade others.

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It was developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, and his three rhetorical devices--logos, pathos, and ethos--have inspired everyone from world leaders to car salesmen and helped make arguments more effective.​

Aristotle outlined three rhetorical devices (also called appeals) that can help us persuade others and build arguments.

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1. Logos - Also known as logic, this involves using evidence and data

2. Pathos - This involves invoking your audience's emotions

3. Ethos - Also called ethics, this requires establishing credibility and authority

Three Rhetorical Devices

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​What is Logos?

When someone uses logos, they are using evidence and data to persuade.

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Examples could include:

• Using statistics and other "hard data"

• ​Using graphs, charts, and/or tables

• Making comparisons

• Using good reasoning, meaning you have a logical argument

​What is Pathos?

When someone uses pathos, they are using emotion to persuade.

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Examples could include:

• Making your audience feel sad, guilty, or empathetic

• Using jokes and humor

• Using inspirational stories or messages

• Using an emotional tone or body language

​What is Ethos?

When someone uses ethos, they are persuading by establishing their credibility or authority.​

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Examples could include:

• Using or citing experts on the subject

• Sharing personal experiences

• ​Establishing your own expertise or authority

• ​Demonstrating to your audience that you are trustworthy and honest

​Quiz Time!

​See how much you remember about rhetoric and the three rhetorical devices.

Multiple Choice

Pathos involves using ___ to persuade your audience.

• Logic

• Evidence

• Authority

• Emotion

Multiple Choice

Which of these would be the best use of ethos to persuade?

• Including graphs and charts

• Quoting an expert on the subject

• Telling a joke

• Telling a sad story

Multiple Choice

A commercial for the new iPhone compares it to the previous model, showing all the ways in which the new one is better.

Which rhetorical device is used?

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

Multiple Choice

A climate scientist gives a speech to Congress about his studies on climate change to urge them to take action before it's too late.

Which rhetorical device is used?

• Logos

• Pathos

• Ethos

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT an appropriate use of pathos?

• Using a joke to make a point about your argument

• Making your audience feel a personal connection to your argument

• Using statistics to prove your side of the argument is better.

• Telling an emotional personal story connected to your argument