Mastering Rhetorical Appeals in Debate

A debater is trying to convince the audience that stricter environmental regulations are necessary. She shares a personal story about how pollution affected her family’s health, then presents scientific data, and finally appeals to the audience’s sense of responsibility. Which rhetorical appeals is she strategically combining, and why might this be effective?

• Only ethos, because she is establishing credibility.

• Pathos, logos, and ethos; combining emotional connection, logical evidence, and credibility to strengthen her argument.

• Only logos, because she uses scientific data.

• Only pathos, because she shares a personal story.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

During a debate, one speaker uses a series of rhetorical questions to challenge the opponent’s stance on free college tuition. How does this device function strategically in the context of the debate?

• It provides direct evidence to support the speaker’s claim.

• It encourages the audience to question the opponent’s position and think critically about the issue.

• It distracts the audience from the main topic.

• It appeals only to the speaker’s own beliefs.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

A debater uses an analogy comparing the government’s budget to a household budget to argue for fiscal responsibility. What is the strategic purpose of this rhetorical device in the debate?

• To confuse the audience with complex financial terms.

• To make the argument more relatable and understandable for the audience.

• To present statistical evidence.

• To appeal only to experts in economics.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.8

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.8

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

In a debate about school uniforms, a speaker says, “If we allow students to wear anything, soon there will be chaos and no discipline.” What rhetorical device is being used, and what is the strategic effect?

• Hyperbole; to exaggerate for comedic effect.

• Slippery slope; to warn the audience of potential negative consequences and persuade them to support uniforms.

• Alliteration; to make the speech more memorable.

• Irony; to mock the opposing view.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

A debater cites a well-known scientist to support her claim about climate change. How does this use of ethos function strategically in the debate?

• It appeals to the audience’s emotions.

• It establishes credibility and authority, making her argument more convincing.

• It distracts from the main argument.

• It relies solely on personal experience.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

During a debate, a speaker repeats the phrase “We must act now” several times throughout their argument. What is the strategic purpose of this repetition?

• To provide new evidence.

• To emphasize urgency and persuade the audience to support immediate action.

• To confuse the audience.

• To appeal to logic only.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.8

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

A debater uses statistics to show that 80% of students benefit from after-school programs, but also shares a story about a student who struggled without such programs. How does combining logos and pathos strengthen the debater’s position?

• It only appeals to emotions.

• It provides both logical evidence and emotional resonance, making the argument more persuasive to a wider audience.

• It weakens the argument by mixing facts and feelings.

• It only appeals to logic.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

In a debate, a speaker says, “As a doctor with 20 years of experience, I can assure you that this treatment is safe.” What is the strategic value of this statement?

• It appeals to the speaker’s authority and expertise, increasing trust in their argument.

• It appeals to the audience’s emotions.

• It provides statistical evidence.

• It uses irony to make a point.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

A debater uses the phrase, “We are all in this together,” when discussing a community issue. What rhetorical appeal is being used, and how does it function strategically?

• Logos; it provides logical reasoning.

• Pathos; it creates a sense of unity and emotional connection with the audience.

• Ethos; it establishes credibility.

• Hyperbole; it exaggerates the situation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

During a debate, a speaker says, “If we don’t address this problem now, future generations will suffer.” What is the strategic effect of this appeal?

• It appeals to the audience’s sense of responsibility and concern for the future, motivating action.

• It provides statistical evidence.

• It distracts from the main issue.

• It appeals only to logic.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5