Rhetorical Analysis of 'Consider the Lobster'

Which of the following best describes the rhetorical situation of 'Consider the Lobster'?

• A gourmet food magazine assigns a writer to cover the Maine Lobster Festival.

• A group of animal rights activists boycotts the Maine Lobster Festival.

• A marine zoologist publishes a study on the neurology of lobsters.

• A political consultant gives an interview about the Maine Lobster Festival.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

Which of the following best describes the central claim of 'Consider the Lobster'?

• The Maine Lobster Festival is a fun and festive event.

• Lobster is a delicious and healthy food.

• The morality of boiling lobsters alive is questionable.

• PETA activists are wrong to protest the Maine Lobster Festival.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.2

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CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

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Which of the following is NOT a piece of evidence that Wallace uses to support his claim that lobsters can feel pain?

• Lobsters have nociceptors, which are pain receptors.

• Lobsters have a decentralized nervous system.

• Lobsters try to escape when boiled alive.

• Lobsters can detect changes in water temperature.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

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CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following is an example of Wallace's reasoning about the ethics of eating lobster?

• He argues that it is wrong to inflict pain on any living creature.

• He cites scientific studies that show that lobsters can feel pain.

• He questions whether it is morally justifiable to boil lobsters alive for our own pleasure.

• He concludes that it is okay to eat lobster as long as it is killed quickly and humanely.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

Which of the following best describes Wallace's purpose in writing 'Consider the Lobster'?

• To persuade readers to become vegetarians.

• To inform readers about the Maine Lobster Festival.

• To explore the ethical implications of eating lobster.

• To entertain readers with a humorous essay about lobster.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

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CCSS.RL.8.6

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Which of the following best describes Wallace's tone in 'Consider the Lobster'?

• Angry and judgmental

• Humorous and lighthearted

• Thoughtful and questioning

• Sarcastic and dismissive

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

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CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which of the following is an example of Wallace's use of logos in 'Consider the Lobster'?

• He describes the sights and sounds of the Maine Lobster Festival.

• He appeals to the reader's sense of empathy for lobsters.

• He cites scientific research on the neurology of lobsters.

• He uses humor and sarcasm to make his points.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following is an example of Wallace's use of pathos in 'Consider the Lobster'?

• He describes the lobsters' behavior when they are boiled alive.

• He argues that it is hypocritical to eat lobster but not other animals.

• He cites statistics on the number of lobsters that are consumed each year.

• He uses rhetorical questions to challenge the reader's assumptions.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

Which of the following is an example of Wallace's use of ethos in 'Consider the Lobster'?

• He establishes his credibility as a food writer.

• He uses personal anecdotes to connect with the reader.

• He acknowledges his own biases and uncertainties.

• He appeals to the reader's sense of morality.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following best describes the overall effect of Wallace's use of rhetoric in 'Consider the Lobster'?

• It makes the reader feel guilty about eating lobster.

• It convinces the reader to become a vegetarian.

• It challenges the reader to think critically about the ethics of eating animals.

• It entertains the reader with a humorous and informative essay.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.6