Rhetorical Devices and Appeals
Rhetorical Devices
- Rhetorical devices are special patterns of words and ideas.
- They create emphasis and stir emotion.
- They strengthen a writer’s argument.
Types of Rhetorical Devices
- Rhetorical Question: A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer.
- Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
- Restatement: Expressing the same idea in different words.
Examples and Identification
- Example: "It is important to let others know that you support their cause."
- Type: Restatement
- Example: "There are times in life to step up and face a challenge. There are times in life to stand up and be counted."
- Type: Repetition
- Example: "Who among you will not fight for the rights of the poor and disenfranchised?"
- Type: Rhetorical Question
- Example: "Will those of you who agree to donate time and money to our fight please raise your hand?"
- Straightforward Language.
- Example: "We don’t know what lies ahead, but we will find out soon enough. Let’s get ready!"
- Type: Restatement
- Example: "We don’t know what lies ahead. We are unsure of the challenges we will face as we go forward. We will have to see what awaits us."
- Straightforward Language
Rhetorical Appeals
- Writers use rhetorical appeals to persuade readers.
Types of Appeals
- Logos: Appeal to logic.
- Uses facts, figures, and solid reasoning.
- Pathos: Appeal to emotions.
- Stirs strong feelings, such as pity or fear.
- Ethos: Appeal to ethics or credibility.
- Shares expertise or shows why the writer is suited to speak on the topic.
Examples and Identification
- "From my work with Dr. Susan Sih, I learned that children begin to show signs of genuine empathy around age 2."
- "It's outrageous that the beautiful, peaceful woods I so enjoyed as a child have been destroyed. Where can today's kids go for solitude? For adventure? For joy?"
- "In fact, one study shows that the more people volunteer, the happier they are"