Analyzing a Rhetorical Text

Place each element in the structure in which it usually appears

Introduction: thesis, background information Body: evidence, claims Conclusion: summary, call to action

We are faced, according to Dr. Elton, "with a life-and-death need not just to find new technological means of suppressing this plant or that animal"; instead we need the basic knowledge of animal populations and their relations to their surroundings that will "promote an even balance and damp down the explosive power of outbreaks and new invasions." Much of the necessary knowledge is now available but we do not use it. . . . We allow the chemical death rain to fall as though there were no alternative, whereas in fact there are many, and our ingenuity could soon discover many more if given opportunity. -Silent Spring, Rachel Carson Use the drop-down menus to analyze the writer's use of persuasive strategies. In the first paragraph, the writer quotes an expert to establish her - After presenting a possible solution, the writer then claims we do not use the knowledge we have, making the assumption that people -

In the first paragraph, the writer quotes an expert to establish her [ appeal to logic ] After presenting a possible solution, the writer then claims we do not use the knowledge we have, making the assumption that people [ are unaware of alternatives ]

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) What is the purpose of addressing a counterargument in a rhetorical text? A. to identify weaknesses in an argument and to anticipate objections B. to accept a particular point that is in opposition to a writer's claim C. to disprove a particular point that is in opposition to a writer's claim D. to support the claim using facts, expert opinions, and statistics

A. to identify weaknesses in an argument and to anticipate objections

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) What is the main purpose of using rhetorical appeals? A. to entertain readers with amusing anecdotes B. to reflect upon the credibility of trusted experts C. to inform readers about an issue they should care about D. to persuade readers to act or to adopt the writer's perspective

D. to persuade readers to act or to adopt the writer's perspective

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) Read this passage from a rhetorical text. Among many serious problems currently afflicting the US healthcare system, the direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs may seem like a harmless practice. Yet there are good reasons to be wary of allowing drug manufacturers to pitch their products directly to consumers. In fact, the American Medical Association was so concerned about misinformation that it called for a ban on these ads. Yet the ads continue today. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does require drug ads to meet certain criteria including disclosing a brief summary of the risks associated with taking a drug, but the government must go further and ban such advertisements altogether. The safety of American consumers is at stake. The drug industry insists that drug ads keep patients informed about their treatment options. One industry group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, says that direct marketing "encourages patients to visit their doctors' offices for important doctor-patient conversations about health care that might not otherwise take place." It is true that it is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their doctors. However, doctors do not agree that drug ads facilitate these conversations. In fact, many are upset by ill-informed patients who demand new or expensive drugs, even when those drugs may not be the best or safest choice. How does the writer address the counterargument in this passage? A. The writer concedes that the counterargument is partially correct but offers a rebuttal. B. The writer expresses a strong opinion about why the counterargument is correct. C. The writer offers a better solution than the one put forth in the counterargument. D. The writer points out a contradiction that is stated in the counterargument.

A. The writer concedes that the counterargument is partially correct but offers a rebuttal.

If one were to tell me that this was a bad government because it taxed certain foreign commodities brought to its ports, it is most probable that I should not make an ado about it, for I can do without them. All machines have their friction. . . . But when the friction comes to have its machine, and oppression and robbery are organized, I say, let us not have such a machine any longer. In other words, when a sixth of the population of a nation which has undertaken to be the refuge of liberty are slaves, and a whole country is unjustly overrun and conquered by a foreign army, and subjected to military law, I think that it is not too soon for honest men to rebel and revolutionize. What makes this duty the more urgent is the fact, that the country so overrun is not our own, but ours is the invading army. -"On the Duty of CivilDisobedience," Henry David Thoreau Which reason does Thoreau give for the idea that revolt is justified? A. Rebellion is the citizens' urgent duty. B. Citizens are aware of the right to rebel against an unjust government. C. Most citizens deem the government's actions tyrannical. D. Oppression and robbery have become institutionalized in the government.

D. Oppression and robbery have become institutionalized in the government.

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) Read this passage from a rhetorical text. (1) More high schools should offer classes in American Sign Language (ASL). (2) ASL is the primary language for roughly one million Americans. (3) Learning sign language offers benefits both for the individual student and for the larger community. (4) For the individual student, learning sign language provides not only the cognitive boosts associated with bilingualism, but also improves the student's spatial awareness, mental rotation abilities, and visualization skills. (5) Schools should be eager to help students improve such valuable spatial reasoning skills. Which sentence serves as evidence to support the claim "More high schools should offer classes in American Sign Language"? A. sentence 2 B. sentence 3 C. sentence 4 D. sentence 5

C. sentence 4

How does the author respond to the counterargument, "the enormous and expanding use of pesticides is necessary to maintain farm production"? Check all that apply. A. She states that overproduction, not maintaining production is the problem. B. She includes facts and statistics as evidence in support of her rebuttal. C. She plays on the audience's fear of food shortage to elicit an emotional response. D. She concedes that, in some states, farms need help battling insect attacks. E. She quotes a relevant, expert source on the topic.

A. She states that overproduction, not maintaining production is the problem. B. She includes facts and statistics as evidence in support of her rebuttal. E. She quotes a relevant, expert source on the topic.

Which sentence from the final paragraph of the passage conveys a call to action? A. "We urgently need an end to these false assurances, to the sugar coating of unpalatable facts." B. "It is the public that is being asked to assume the risks that the insect controllers calculate." C. "The public must decide whether it wishes to continue on the present road, and it can do so only when in full possession of the facts." D. "In the words of Jean Rostand, 'The obligation to endure gives us the right to know.'"

C. "The public must decide whether it wishes to continue on the present road, and it can do so only when in full possession of the facts."

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) Read this passage from a rhetorical text in a local newspaper. (1) While out driving yesterday, I counted seven vacant storefronts in the four-block area of our town center. (2) There are additional vacancies in the smaller business district on the north end of town. (3) Not even ten years ago, we had two vibrant, bustling business districts, but now it's as if we're living in a ghost town. (4) Sky-high rents have contributed to the dearth of businesses in town, and it's time the town council does something about it. (5) We should provide tax breaks for property owners who will lower their rents. (6) Some will say our budget cannot afford to fund this kind of tax relief, especially after last year's damaging storms that required many expensive repairs to city infrastructure. (7) But how can we afford to allow our community to wither away? (8) Our property value is surely going to decline if our business districts continue to fail. (9) In the end, funding tax relief will save us all money. Which sentence provides a counterargument to the claim that the town council should provide tax breaks? A. sentence 3 B. sentence 5 C. sentence 6 D. sentence 8

(I think) B. sentence 5

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) A reader who makes the claim "We should stop the practice of tipping in the United States and instead pay workers a higher hourly wage" could state the counterargument that A. some people tip only because they feel guilty or awkward about having someone wait on them. B. many servers say they would not like hourly pay because with tipping they can influence how much they make. C. in many other countries, service workers are typically paid a higher hourly rate than their American counterparts. D. some might say that tipping is abusive in that it allows businesses to consistently underpay their workers.

C. in many other countries, service workers are typically paid a higher hourly rate than their American counterparts.

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) What is a counterargument? A. an argument that is in opposition to the writer's thesis B. a statement of the writer's position C. a summary of the writer's main points D. an assumption that connects the grounds to the claim

(I think) A. an argument that is in opposition to the writer's thesis

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) Read the introductory paragraph from a rhetorical text. (1) The backyard of a city apartment building is not the first place one might expect to find a chicken coop, but so-called "urban farming" has caught on in recent years as people embrace the benefits of eating local. (2) However, raising backyard chickens can be a significant health risk for the surrounding community. (3) Cities need to relearn the lessons of the early 20th century and ban the raising of chickens in urban settings. Which sentence should the writer insert after sentence 1 to provide the most relevant and useful background information for readers? A. The idea of raising chickens and eating fresh eggs every day appeals to some people. B. Imagine waking up in a busy city to the sound of roosters crowing a "good morning." C. In fact, a recent review of urban poultry ordinances in the United States found that 93 percent of the 150 most populous US cities allow backyard poultry. D. There are many different chicken breeds available for backyard farmers including common Leghorns or Rhode Island Reds as well as more exotic breeds such as the Jersey Giant.

(I think) C. In fact, a recent review of urban poultry ordinances in the United States found that 93 percent of the 150 most populous US cities allow backyard poultry.

Rachel Carson presents a convincing argument. She uses facts, examples, and expert opinions to appeal to logos to support her claim that pesticides are extremely destructive and only partially effective. She organizes her argument logically, establishing the dangers of pesticides and, then, examining the misuse of these chemicals. As she approaches the end of the argument, she appeals to pathos by using loaded language and vivid imagery. She clearly outlines her contentions and puts forth the call to action: the public needs to inform themselves in order to make a decision about how to proceed. Which of the following did you consider in your evaluation of Carson's argument? Check all that apply. A. Structure B. Claim C. Evidence D. Counterargument E. Rhetorical appeals F. Call to action

A. Structure B. Claim C. Evidence D. Counterargument E. Rhetorical appeals F. Call to action

I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people. -"Speech to the Troops at Tilbury,"Queen Elizabeth I Which statements provide a logical analysis of the call to action in Queen Elizabeth's speech? Select all that apply. A. The context of awaiting an attack establishes expectation and adds reasonability. B. The emotional language makes the audience unlikely to support her request. C. The argument builds to the call to action by establishing the situation and eliciting strong emotions. D. The failure to establish logos makes the queen's request seem unreasonable. E. Though the queen asks the troops to risk their lives, the call is appropriate given a soldier's duty.

A. The context of awaiting an attack establishes expectation and adds reasonability. C. The argument builds to the call to action by establishing the situation and eliciting strong emotions. E. Though the queen asks the troops to risk their lives, the call is appropriate given a soldier's duty.

The chapter is separated into two sections. Which statement best explains the structural connection between the two sections? A. The first section establishes pesticide toxicity; then, the second section analyzes problematic factors with its use. B. The argument begins by comparing pesticides to radiation and builds on this comparison to criticize farmers for using them. C. The first section focuses on establishing ethos while the second section moves on to appeal to logos and pathos. D. The sections are organized chronologically, reflecting the way humans have sped up the clock on Earth's demise.

A. The first section establishes pesticide toxicity; then, the second section analyzes problematic factors with its use.

It is not my contention that chemical insecticides must never be used. I do contend that we have put poisonous and biologically potent chemicals indiscriminately into the hands of persons largely or wholly ignorant of their potentials for harm. We have subjected enormous numbers of people to contact with these poisons, without their consent. . . . I contend, furthermore, that we have allowed these chemicals to be used with little or no advance investigation of their effect on soil, water, wildlife, and man himself. Future generations are unlikely to condone our lack of prudent concern for the integrity of the natural world that supports all life. -Silent Spring, Rachel Carson Read the excerpt. How does the author structure these paragraphs? A. Using repetition to emphasize the key points of her argument B. Using transitional words to establish causality of events C. Sharing several "qualifiers" to clarify the scope of the argument D. Presenting the most convincing evidence in support of the central claim

A. Using repetition to emphasize the key points of her argument

Since DDT was released for civilian use, a process of escalation has been going on in which ever more toxic materials must be found. This has happened because insects, in a triumphant vindication of Darwin's principle of the survival of the fittest, have evolved super races immune to the particular insecticide used, hence a deadlier one has always to be developed — and then a deadlier one than that. It has happened also because, for reasons to be described later, destructive insects often undergo a "flareback," or resurgence, after spraying, in numbers greater than before. Thus the chemical war is never won, and all life is caught in its violent crossfire. -Silent Spring, Rachel Carson Which best describes the use of rhetorical elements in this passage? A. Citing an expert appeals to logos by reinforcing reasoning. B. Loaded language appeals to the audience's emotions. C. Humor contributes to the author's credibility. D. Rebuttal undermines the counterargument.

B. Loaded language appeals to the audience's emotions.

Instead of characterizing racist and sexist hate speech as "just speech," courts and legislatures need to . . . allow the restriction of hate speech. . . . Many readers will find this line of thinking repellent. They will insist that protecting hate speech is . . . central to our founding principles. . . . But these free-speech absolutists must at least acknowledge two facts. First, the right to speak already is far from absolute. Second, they are asking disadvantaged members of our society to shoulder a heavy burden with serious consequences. -"The Case for Restricting Hate Speech,"Laura Beth Nielsen How does the writer address the counterargument? Check all that apply. A. She offers a better solution. B. She points out a contradiction. C. She explains its negative impact. D. She expresses her disgust directly. E. She admits that it is correct.

B. She points out a contradiction. C. She explains its negative impact.

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) Read the passage from "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience," by Henry David Thoreau. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government. Which statement best describes the rhetorical technique used in this passage? A. Thoreau uses repetition of government to appeal to readers' sense of patriotism before showing that patriotism is misguided. B. Thoreau establishes logos by using reasoning to compare the objections to a standing army and to a standing government. C. Thoreau establishes pathos by using hyperbole and an extended metaphor to show that governments are often inexpedient. D. Thoreau calls upon readers to embrace their belief in the value of a competent and expedient government.

B. Thoreau establishes logos by using reasoning to compare the objections to a standing army and to a standing government.

What are the purposes of including counterarguments in your writing? Check all that apply. A. To attack any opposition B. To present a biased argument C. To appear fair-minded and trustworthy D. To identify weaknesses in your argument E. To anticipate objections to your argument

C. To appear fair-minded and trustworthy D. To identify weaknesses in your argument E. To anticipate objections to your argument

Have we fallen into a mesmerized state that makes us accept as inevitable that which is inferior or detrimental, as though having lost the will or the vision to demand that which is good? Such thinking, in the words of the ecologist Paul Shepard, "idealizes life with only its head out of water, inches above the limits of toleration of the corruption of its own environment. . . . Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, . . . the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?" -Silent Spring, Rachel Carson Which best describes the appeals the writer uses in this paragraph? A. The claim challenges readers to examine other viable alternatives. B. The writer's credibility is supported by citing an expert opinion. C. The common sense used to form the argument engages the audience. D. Pathos inspires readers to consider their own apathy in the face of oppression.

D. Pathos inspires readers to consider their own apathy in the face of oppression.

I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. -"Speech to the Troops at Tilbury,"Queen Elizabeth I Why does Queen Elizabeth most likely use vivid imagery and loaded language to declare her intentions? A. To appeal to the audience's logic and emotions simultaneously B. To call upon the audience's fear and worry to promote action C. To present her as an authority and instill fear in the audience D. To establish her integrity and elicit pride and determination in the audience

D. To establish her integrity and elicit pride and determination in the audience

EXAM (I got an 80 with these answers) Read this passage from a rhetorical text in a local newspaper. While out driving yesterday, I counted seven vacant storefronts in the four-block area of our town center. There are additional vacancies in the smaller business district on the north end of town. Not even ten years ago, we had two vibrant, bustling business districts, but now it's as if we're living in a ghost town. Sky-high rents have contributed to the dearth of businesses in town, and it's time the town council does something about it. We should provide tax breaks for property owners who will lower their rents. Some will say our budget cannot afford to fund this kind of tax relief, especially after last year's damaging storms that required many expensive repairs to city infrastructure. But how can we afford to allow our community to wither away? Our property value is surely going to decline if our business districts continue to fail. In the end, funding tax relief will save us all money. How does the author respond to the counterargument that the city budget cannot afford tax relief? A. by stating that there are additional vacant storefronts on the town's north side B. by stating that 10 years prior, the town had multiple business districts C. by stating that last year's damaging storms required expensive repairs D. by stating that without providing tax breaks, property values will fall

D. by stating that without providing tax breaks, property values will fall

Do you find the argument Rachel Carson presents in Chapter II of Silent Spring persuasive? Use what you have learned about how authors develop arguments to write a one-paragraph evaluation of Carson's argument. Keep in mind tools you have gathered for analysis, such as the Toulmin Model and your understanding of rhetorical strategies and elements.

Rachel Carson presents a convincing argument. She uses facts, examples, and expert opinions to appeal to logos to support her claim that pesticides are extremely destructive and only partially effective. She organizes her argument logically, establishing the dangers of pesticides and, then, examining the misuse of these chemicals. As she approaches the end of the argument, she appeals to pathos by using loaded language and vivid imagery. She clearly outlines her contentions and puts forth the call to action: the public needs to inform themselves in order to make a decision about how to proceed.