English 8 Semester 2 Unit 2-2 Rhetoric

​2.2 Objectives

• Define rhetoric and identify rhetorical devices, including figurative language.

• Identify different rhetorical appeals, including logos, ethos, and pathos.​

​What is Rhetoric?

2.2.1 pg. 1

Rhetoric is language meant to persuade an audience.

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We see it used in conversations, advertisements, politics and on social media.... just to name a few places.​

​One of the most common rhetorical devices is analogy. An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things. By showing a connection between the two things, the analogy can persuade audiences to understand those things the way the author or speaker does. Here are two examples.

​Juxtaposition 2.2.1 pg. 10

When you juxtapose things, you place them side by side. This makes the things seem related — whether they are or not. Here's an example:

This used to be a quiet town, but then along came the motorcycles, speedboats, and college students.

In this example, the author suggests that college students make just as much noise as motorcycles and speedboats. The author doesn't state it directly but simply juxtaposes these three things.​

​Zeugma/Antithesis pg. 11

​Zeugma--- applies the same word to two ideas to show an unexpected relationship between them. "Come to New York, where you can find fortune and yourself."

Antithesis---​ words a sentence in a way that shows how two ideas are directly opposed. "The higher the taxes, the lower the wealth."

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​Figurative Language pg. 12

Metaphors

Similes

Personification

Allusion

Hyperbole and Understatement

CAN BE RHETORICAL TOO!!!!​

​This reading assignment isn't really a reading assignment. You are going to watch two videos. They are political ads. (They're also not real... they were created for this course.)

As you read them, keep an eye out for the elements of rhetoric you've been studying. What strategies do the candidates use to get you on their side?

The Reading Guide could be very helpful.... your Written assignment is about these 2 videos.

​The two political ads you just explored show some tricky uses of rhetoric that politicians may rely on to persuade you. In this assignment, you will analyze the two ads and answer a series of questions about the rhetorical appeals and the rhetorical devices the ads use.

There are 7 questions. Answer them thoroughly, making sure you answer all parts of each question. Offer explanation for your answers.

The textbook pages are very helpful with perspective, bias, rhetorical devices, figurative language etc.