Rhetoric Review

Which rhetorical appeal is primarily concerned with the credibility and character of the speaker?

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Logos

• Kairos

Answer explanation

Ethos is the rhetorical appeal that focuses on the credibility and character of the speaker, establishing trust with the audience. It differentiates itself from pathos (emotion), logos (logic), and kairos (timeliness).

What rhetorical device involves the repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses?

• Anaphora

• Epistrophe

• Antithesis

• Metaphor

Answer explanation

Anaphora is the rhetorical device that involves the repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses, making it the correct answer. Other options like epistrophe and antithesis refer to different forms of repetition.

In the rhetorical triangle, which element represents the audience?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Speaker

Answer explanation

In the rhetorical triangle, Pathos represents the audience's emotions and feelings. It focuses on how the audience perceives the message, making it the correct choice for representing the audience.

Which element of SOAPSTone refers to the time and place of the piece?

• Subject

• Occasion

• Audience

• Purpose

Answer explanation

The element of SOAPSTone that refers to the time and place of the piece is 'Occasion'. It sets the context for the writing, distinguishing it from other elements like Subject, Audience, and Purpose.

How does pathos primarily persuade an audience?

• By using logical arguments

• By appealing to emotions

• By establishing credibility

• By providing statistical evidence

Answer explanation

Pathos persuades an audience primarily by appealing to emotions, evoking feelings that can influence opinions and decisions. This emotional connection is more impactful than logical arguments or statistics.

Which rhetorical device is used when two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect?

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Antithesis

• Hyperbole

Answer explanation

The rhetorical device used when two opposite ideas are juxtaposed in a sentence is called antithesis. It highlights the contrast between the ideas, enhancing the overall effect of the statement.

What is the primary focus of logos in rhetoric?

• Emotional appeal

• Ethical appeal

• Logical appeal

• Personal appeal

Answer explanation

In rhetoric, logos refers to logical appeal, which focuses on reasoning and evidence to persuade an audience. This distinguishes it from emotional (pathos) and ethical (ethos) appeals, making logical appeal the primary focus of logos.

In the rhetorical triangle, which element is associated with the message or content of the communication?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• Audience

Answer explanation

In the rhetorical triangle, logos refers to the logical appeal and the message or content of the communication. It focuses on the reasoning and evidence presented, making it the correct choice for this question.

Which element of SOAPSTone involves understanding the author's attitude toward the subject?

• Speaker

• Tone

• Purpose

• Audience

Answer explanation

The element of SOAPSTone that involves understanding the author's attitude toward the subject is 'Tone'. Tone reflects how the author feels about the topic, influencing the overall message and emotional impact.

Which rhetorical appeal is most likely being used if a speaker references their own experience or expertise?

• Pathos

• Ethos

• Logos

• Mythos

Answer explanation

The speaker references their own experience or expertise to establish credibility, which is the essence of ethos. Ethos appeals to the audience's perception of the speaker's character and trustworthiness.