Rhetoric and clarity of expression: counter arguments

Rhetoric and clarity of expression: counter arguments

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, we will work on improving our rhetorical skills and our clarity of expression, with a particular emphasis on building an effective counterargument.

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5 Questions

Q1.
You should usually have a main clause before a colon (even when introducing a list).
false
Correct answer: true
Q2.
Which of the statements below is true?
You always need a capital letter after a semicolon.
You need a capital letter after a semicolon if it is the start of a new clause.
Correct answer: You need a capital letter after a semicolon if the first word is a proper noun.
Q3.
Which of these is false?
A complete sentence contains a subject, object and predicate.
Correct answer: All sentences need a subject and and an adjective.
Q4.
The rhetorical appeal "appeal to logic (use facts and reason)" matches to which of the following?
ethos
Correct answer: logos
pathos
Q5.
The rhetorical appeal "appeal to emotions (target the thoughts and feelings of the audience)" matches to which of the following?
ethos
logos
Correct answer: pathos

11 Questions

Q1.
What is a counterargument?
A counterargument is when you debate over your favourite kitchen unit.
Correct answer: A counterargument is when you reject or refute another person's argument.
Q2.
Ethos (the appeal ethics)…
Correct answer: aims to convince the audience of your character.
aims to use facts and reason to convince your audience.
appeal to emotions (target aims to target the thoughts and feelings of the audience.
Q3.
Logos (the appeal to logic)…
aims to convince the audience of your character.
Correct answer: aims to use facts and reason to convince your audience.
appeal to emotions (target aims to target the thoughts and feelings of the audience.
Q4.
Pathos (the appeal to emotions)…
aims to convince the audience of your character.
aims to use facts and reason to convince your audience.
Correct answer: appeal to emotions (target aims to target the thoughts and feelings of the audience.
Q5.
Why might you consider the counterargument when writing persuasively?
allows you to reject or refute opposing views, challenging what your reader might be thinking
avoid ignorant sweeping statements to make the argument seem more reasonable
Correct answer: demonstrate the writer’s credibility and judgement
show awareness of evidence
to confuse your reader
to help you decide what you think
Q6.
The writer speaking directly to (or at) the reader through words such as “you” is ...
Correct answer: direct address.
emotive language.
imagery.
rhetorical question.
tone.
Q7.
Using visually descriptive or figurative language such as simile, metaphor or personification is …
direct address.
emotive language.
Correct answer: imagery.
rhetorical question.
tone.
Q8.
A question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer is …
direct address.
emotive language.
imagery.
Correct answer: rhetorical question.
tone.
Q9.
Using certain word choices are made to evoke an emotional response is …
direct address.
Correct answer: emotive language.
imagery.
rhetorical question.
tone.
Q10.
How the attitude of a writer comes across through their language choices is …
direct address.
emotive language.
imagery.
rhetorical question.
Correct answer: tone.
Q11.
What should you do to respond to a counterargument?
Correct answer: acknowledge the counterargument
call your opponent's idea stupid
offer evidence that the counterargument is weak
restate your viewpoint
subtly suggest the counterargument is wrong
use rhetoric to convince the reader
write "THIS IDEA IS WRONG" in capital letters.

Lesson appears in

UnitEnglish / Grammar for Writing

English