Analytical Writing & Argumentation Flashcards

An author opens an essay by describing a child's tearful first day without school lunch due to debt. Which rhetorical appeal does this primarily use?

Answer: Pathos

Appealing to the reader's emotions through a vivid personal scenario is an appeal to pathos.

A nutritionist writes: 'As a registered dietitian with 20 years of clinical experience, I can confirm that ultra-processed foods elevate disease risk.' This primarily establishes:

Answer: Ethos

Citing credentials and experience is an appeal to ethos, building the author's trustworthiness.

Which of the following is the best example of an analogy used to support an argument?

Answer: Ignoring students' mental health needs is like ignoring a leaking roof—small problems compound into structural collapse.

An analogy maps a less-familiar concept onto a relatable parallel to clarify and persuade.

A passage repeats the phrase 'We cannot wait' at the start of three consecutive sentences. This rhetorical device is called:

Answer: Anaphora

Anaphora is the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses to create emphasis.

What is the primary effect of ending an argumentative paragraph with a rhetorical question?

Answer: It invites the reader to reflect and implicitly accept the argument's conclusion

Rhetorical questions engage readers by prompting reflection rather than requesting a literal answer.

Which sentence demonstrates the most effective use of concession and rebuttal?

Answer: Although critics argue that homework increases student stress, research shows that moderate assignments reinforce learning and build self-discipline.

An effective concession-rebuttal acknowledges the opposing view before countering it with evidence.

In SAT argumentative writing, logos refers to an appeal based on:

Answer: Logic, evidence, and rational reasoning

Logos persuades through facts, data, statistics, and structured logical reasoning.