Let's Talk Chapter 2 Review

Scholar Wayne Booth (1924 - 2005) said, "The only real alternative to war is rhetoric." Andrea Lunsford explained further to say Booth identified rhetoric as a/an ​ (a)   art, one that "begins with intense listening and that searches for mutual understanding and common ground" (12).

• ethical
• literate
• communicative
• persuasive
• collaborative

Answer explanation

At the beginning of the chapter, Lunsford explains how unethical uses of rhetoric often lead to violence, such as the example of dictators. This is why communicating ethically is important.

The book defines rhetoric as the practice of ethical communication.

For your first project for this course, what AUDIENCE will you be writing to?

• The instructor.

• The instructor and classmates.

• The EMU community.

• General audience.

Answer explanation

The first project (Research Proposal Letter) involves writing a letter to the class. That includes your instructor and your classmates.

This audience specifically means that you can assume we all understand the assignment requirements as part of your EXIGENCE and PURPOSE to write.

Your first major project for this course is tentatively scheduled for submission via Canvas on September 24, 2023. From the standpoint of a rhetorical analysis, what would the due date qualify as?

• Design

• Purpose

• Context

• Exigence

Answer explanation

The due date primarily functions for your writing's CONTEXT, as it is a condition affecting your text.

You may be tempted to think of it as the PURPOSE for writing (and informally, it is), but rhetorically speaking, your PURPOSE involves your writing goal towards the AUDIENCE (not the goal of getting a good grade).

The EXIGENCE is the situation prompting you to write, but the due date doesn't count as the exigence, because it is not something you as a student can affect.

Famous Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BCE - 43 BCE) argued that the key to making a successful argument is to consider multiple ​ (a)  

• points of view
• voices
• sources
• topics
• contexts

Answer explanation

Lunsford emphasizes many times throughout this section of the book that it is important to approach a situation rhetorically, through considering multiple sides of the issue.

"Even when you disagree with a point of view... force yourself to see the issue from the viewpoint of its advocates before you reject their positions" (Lunsford 16-7).

Of course, there are always limits to the validity and soundness of an argument, especially when we remember that rhetoric is the practice of ethical communication.

Match the element of the Rhetorical Situation to your first project's assignment requirements.

• Complete Unit 1 to pass WRTG 121

• Design

• Purdue OWL's Business Letter Guidelines

• Media

• To report your research plans

• Purpose

• Digital Text

• Exigence

• A (hyperlink-enabled) Business Letter

• Genre

According to Lunsford, when should you use formal citation and documentation of your sources?

• Always.

• Only when you're writing in MLA/APA.

• When your teacher requires it.

• When the Rhetorical Situation prompts it.

Answer explanation

According to Lunsford, "You can give credit informally... or you can do so formally with a full CITATION and DOCUMENTATION. Which method you choose will depend on your purpose, genre, and the rest of your RHETORICAL SITUATION. Academic writing, for instance, usually requires documentation, but if you’re writing for a personal blog, you might embed a link that connects to a work you’ve cited—or simply give an informal shout-out to a friend who contributed to your thinking" (20-1).

For our first writing assignment, formal CITATION and DOCUMENTATION are not necessary.

Suppose you've been asked to write an MLA style paper for an assignment. Your classmate has a grudge against the teacher and decides to submit their paper in the Wingdings font, just to stick it to your teacher. Which rhetorical element is your classmate changing?

• Stance

• Media

• Context

• Design

Answer explanation

DESIGN deals with anything about how the text is presented visually. That includes your font choice. Since the paper is required in MLA format, the DESIGN is also deviating from the intended CONTEXT. But the chosen MEDIUM is the same (assumed Digital or Print).

Even if your classmate truly does have an angry attitude towards your teacher, unless it's communicated through their writing, it wouldn't be part of your classmate's STANCE.

Don't ever submit a paper in Wingdings. There will be institutional wrath.