What is “rhetoric”?

1. What is “rhetoric”? • Rhetoric is the “art or study of effective language.” • Effective language is language used to an effect—this includes writing that accomplished the writer’s goal. The writer’s goal was to communicate a specific idea. • Therefore, rhetoric may be described as “persuasive use of language” & “rhetorical strategies” are techniques by which writers persuade readers.

2. Evaluating an Argument An argument is a series of statements designed to convince you of something. You usually encounter arguments in politicians’ speeches newspaper editorials persuasive speeches public debates

3. CON: I’m against the issue! PRO: I support the issue! Evaluating an Argument Often you are faced with opposing arguments (pro and con) on an issue.

4. Evaluating an Argument When faced with pro and con arguments, you need to evaluate the arguments to figure out if they are • believable, or credible • backed by evidence

5. Evaluating an Argument To evaluate the credibility, or believability, of an argument, ask yourself the following questions: • 1. What’s the claim, or opinion? • 2. What’s the support? • 3. Is the evidence comprehensive? • 4. What’s the author’s intent?

6. Evaluating an Argument What’s the claim or opinion? Read the entire argument to get the big picture. Then, determine the author’s claim, or opinion. • Claims are often stated as generalizations—broad statement that covers many situations. People have a moral responsibility to help those in need.

7. Evaluating an Argument Quick Check What is the author’s claim in this paragraph? The real reason people don’t reach out is because they feel disconnected from strangers in need. Yet the child at risk, the injured motorist, the choking restaurant patron could be any one of us or our loved ones. If each of us recognized a moral responsibility to come to the aid of others, we would all gain the benefits of a stronger and safer community. from “If Decency Doesn’t, Law Should Make Us Samaritans” by Gloria Allred and Lisa Bloom (from the Houston Chronicle, September 18, 1997)

8. Logical appeals use reasons and evidence to convince readers. Emotional appeals use language and stories to stir readers’ feelings. Reader Evaluating an Argument What’s the support? Authors use logical and emotional appeals to support their views and convince the reader.

9. Evaluating an Argument Logical Appeals Reasonsare statements that explain why an author holds an opinion or view. Reasons must always be supported by evidence.

10. decency . . . depraved . . . criminal . . . grievous . . . “My best friend was a victim. He suffered greatly.” Evaluating an Argument Emotional Appeals Loaded words have strong emotional connotations or associations. Anecdotes are brief stories or personal accounts of an event or happening. Note

11. Evaluating an Argument Quick Check What types of appeals do the writers use to support their claim? The real reason people don’t reach out is because they feel disconnected from strangers in need. Yet the child at risk, the injured motorist, the choking restaurant patron could be any one of us or our loved ones. If each of us recognized a moral responsibility to come to the aid of others, we would all gain the benefits of a stronger and safer community. from “If Decency Doesn’t, Law Should Make Us Samaritans” by Gloria Allred and Lisa Bloom (from the Houston Chronicle, September 18, 1997)

12. Evaluating an Argument Is the evidence comprehensive? Authors must provide enough evidence to back up their claims and to make convincing arguments. • Does the author support the claim with relevant reasons and evidence? • Does the author use a good balance of logical and emotional appeals?

13. Evaluating an Argument What’s the author’s intent? When an author’s intent, or purpose, is to persuade readers to accept his or her view on an issue, be sure to ask yourself the following questions: • Is the author biased or prejudiced? • Is the author trying to be fair and balanced? • What is the author’s tone, or attitude toward the subject?