22.04 Anecdotes and the Rhetorical Triangle

What is an ANECDOTE

• a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

• a lengthy and detailed account of a historical event.

• a fictional tale meant to teach a lesson.

• a statement that is similar to sworn testimony in court.

What is the RHETORICAL TRIANGLE?

• a visual representation of the relationships between a text's speaker, audience and purpose.

• it's the one triangle they forgot to tell you about in math class.

• it's a mysterious location in the ocean where analysis essays disappear into thin air.

• a visual representation of the relationships between a text's source, arguments and predictability.

Which of the following best describes an ANECDOTE?

• First-hand evidence about other people that you’ve either observed or been told about.

• It must be a story that the speaker experienced themself

• It is rarely a strong piece of evidence

• It is what you need after being bit in the rear by a poisonous snake

Which of these appeals to PATHOS?

• proving you are correct by using statistics

• making your mom feel guilty for dropping you on the head as a baby

• wearing a fake police uniform to get a discount at Krispy Kreme

• impressing someone by telling them Cardi B is your babymamma.

Which of these appeals to ETHOS?

• Crying when you are trying to get out of trouble.

• Using logic to prove that Grand Theft Auto 5 is a good substitute for a babysitter.

• Donald Trump licensing his name to be placed on a building if the money is right.

• When a teacher tries to persuade you that there is a slippery slope from being tardy to living in squalor and having 5 kids from 10 different fathers.

Which of these appeals to LOGOS?

• Using the scientific method to prove to your parents that your outdated smartphone will lead to you becoming a social pariah with no hope for providing them grandchildren in the future.

• Telling a cop that he must have no idea who your father is, otherwise he would never have pulled you over for something as dumb as doing 70 in a school zone.

• Showing the local bully that you are not an easy target by screaming wildly, removing most of your clothing and flailing your arms like a madman.

• Responding to any question regarding our country's immigration policy by merely shouting the word " 'Murika!!!"