Chapter 18 – The Rhetoric
Chapter 18
The Rhetoric
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In this classic syllogism, which element is the minor premise? “All humans are mortal.
Aristotle is human. Aristotle is mortal.”
2. One assumption of the Aristotelian theory of rhetoric is that effective speakers must consider
their audience. This assumption underscores the notion of communication as
3. Before he creates his speech, Antonio considers the age, sex, and educational level of his
audience. Antonio is engaging in
4. _____ refers to the perceived character, intelligence, and goodwill of a speaker.
5. The use of language to express ideas in a certain manner is called
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17. Isabella is working on a project on rhetoric for her communication studies class. She has to
observe an example of forensic rhetoric. Where should Isabella go to complete her
assignment?
18. When U.S. senators debate on the floor of the Senate, arguing for or against a particular
policy that the body is about to vote on, they are using _____.
19. Which of the following canons refers to having a basic understanding of material and
techniques for a speech?
20. _____ refers to the logical proof that speakers employ—their arguments and
rationalizations.
21. _____ is defined as the construction or development of an argument that is relevant to the
purpose of a speech.
True/False Questions
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22. Aristotle believed that there are five subjects on which people deliberate: revenue, war and
peace, the defense of the country, commerce, and legislation.
23. The canon of delivery is concerned with knowing what to say and when to say it.
24. “Drunk driving can kill people. College students drink and drive. Therefore, college
students can kill others (by drinking and driving).” This is an example of a syllogism.
25. The introduction of a speech should gain the audience’s attention, suggest a connection with
the audience, and provide an overview of the speech’s purpose.
26. The available means of persuasion are known as ethos, logos, and pathos.
27. Rhetoric has useful applications in fields other than communication.
28. It is possible for a speaker to eliminate ethos from an epideictic speech.
29. Aristotle’s Rhetoric has been criticized for encouraging speakers to avoid focusing on logos,
yet incorporating it as a strategy that he recommended.
30. For Aristotle, availing oneself of all means of persuasion translates into bribery or torture.
Essay Questions
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31. Think of a speech you’ve heard recently. Analyze it using as many concepts from Aristotle’s
Rhetoric as you deem relevant.
Answers will vary.
32. Identify and define the five canons of rhetoric. Give an example to illustrate each one.
Answers will vary.
33. Identify the three types of oratory, and provide an example of each.
Answers will vary.
34. What did Aristotle mean by the “moral habits” of a person?
Answers will vary.
35. Why is the study of rhetoric important to the democratic process?
Answers will vary.
36. Write a short persuasive argument on any topic using the concepts forwarded by Aristotle in
the Rhetoric. It is not necessary to use every single element perfectly, but it is important to
demonstrate a clear understanding of all of the critical elements of rhetorical theory.
Answers will vary.
37. Evaluate Aristotle’s ideas according to the criteria used to judge theories.
Answers will vary.
38. [Provide a transcript of a short speech by a recognizable figure.] Analyze this speech using
as many concepts from Aristotle’s Rhetoric as you deem relevant.
Answers will vary.