On the Perusall class site, read the first 10 pages of the Laurie McMillan essay (“What is the Rhetorical Situation and Why Should I Care”) and choose six (6) more of the “Connect” questions in the margins of the article, and note which page number the question is on. Post your answers here, below in the comment section.
And as usual, post at least three (3) comments or questions on the article on Perusall, and reply to at least three (3) posts of your classmates. We will look at this and discuss in class on Monday.
100: Alejandra Araujo: When a look up “rhetoric”, I see that it all boils down to persuasion and communication. Most definitions focus on using language to influence people, so they’re definitely connect. It really highlights how key rhetoric is in discussions.
1. If you do an online search for definitions of “rhetoric”, what do you find? Are the definitions connected to one another? (page 2)
2. Google “How to email a professor”. In what ways does the advice you consider audience, purpose or genre.
3. Can you think of other types of writing that change in style and content as the purpose and audience shift? (page 4)
4. Can you give an example of a rhetor communicating in a way that seemed unaware of the audience’s perspective and was thus unsuccessful in filling the purpose of communication? (page 5)
5. How might using pathos or logos increase ethos? Provide an example (page 6)
6. How might appeals to pathos or logos minimize ethos? Provide an example.(page 6)
CONNECT QUESTIONS:
-As a student for more than 13 years, I noticed that every writing assignments expects that your writing should be grammatically correct with the right choice of words and punctuations, it also wants you to know who is the audience and the purpose.
-The expectations for classes vary depending on the format: online classes require self-discipline; labs require hands-on collaboration; project-based courses prioritize teamwork; lecture-based classes emphasize attendance and exams; discussion-based classes emphasize participation; creative arts encourage self-expression; and so on.
-I could create a grouping for the transportation that people can take when they go somewhere: private vehicles and motorcycle (label: land transportation) airplane and helicopter (label: air transportation) boat, ship, and cruise (label: water transportation) public bus, taxi, and subway/train (label: public transportation)
-Understanding the audience (respecting their knowledge and time), stating the aim clearly (early indication of intent), and following genre traditions (formal tone and structure) are the main points of advice when emailing professors. Important elements include a subject line that is clear, an appropriate greeting, a body that is succinct, and a courteous closure.
-When a charity leader uses speech to raise fund for kids who are battling with cancer, through his speech he will able to touch others people’s heart and evoke their feelings to help the kids with cancer (pathos). As he do this, he can also show the number of kids that are able to get better because of the fund raising. This will show the people that the money they are donating are being used properly and effectively (logos). Their audience perceives them as knowledgeable (logos) and caring (pathos), which reinforces their entire ethos, and this holistic approach increases their trust.
-I find that it consists of three elements which are the Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. I like the fact that it is all connected with one another, because the message that they all possess has only one goal and that is to persuade someone.
page 100
When a look up “rhetoric”, I see that it all boils down to persuasion and communication. Most definitions focus on using language to influence people, so they’re definitely connect. It really highlights how key rhetoric is in discussions.
Page 102
Writing styles really change depending on who you’re talking to and what you want to say. For example, a formal research paper sounds way different from a casual blog. Business reports stick to the facts, while creative writing can get wild with imagination. Social media posts also vary, like a serious LinkedIn update vs a fun Instagram caption.
When you look up “How to email a professor,” the advice usually emphasizes being polite and formal since professors are in charge. You want to write clearly, use proper grammar, and include details like your course name so they know what you mean. It shows how important it is to adjust your writing based on your audience!
Page 103
A good example of writing that connects with its audience is a charity appeal letter. Charities often share personal stories to emotionally engage potential donors, making them more likely to give. By tapping into their audience’s feelings, the writer encourages people to help out.
Page 104
Using emotional (pathos) or logical (logos) appeals can actually boost your credibility (ethos). For example, if a doctor gives a public health talk and shares a touching patient story (pathos) while also showing stats about the disease (logos), it shows they care and know their stuff, which builds trust with the audience.
But if someone leans too much on emotional appeals without any logic, it can hurt their credibility. Like if a politician makes an overly emotional fear-based speech without solid facts or plans, people might see them as manipulative rather than trustworthy.
Page 104
When you search for images of the rhetorical triangle, you’ll usually find diagrams showing ethos, pathos, and logos. I like the ones that include examples because they make it easier to see how these appeals work together. They’re a great visual reference for anyone studying rhetoric!