Effective writers and speakers use rhetorical strategies and devices to strengthen their arguments. Research the meaning of the strategy or device listed below and write a brief explanation of each one.
Strategy or device | What is it? | Why is it effective? |
Rhetorical questions | define | explain with example |
Analogies | define | explain with example |
Effective Quotations | define | explain with example |
Anecdotes | define | explain with example |
Statistics | define | explain with example |
Imagery | define | explain with example |
Repetition of key words or phrases | define | explain with example |
Establishing common ground | define | explain with example |
Citing reliable sources | define | explain with example |
Anticipating opposing arguments | define | explain with example |
Creating straw-man arguments | define | explain with example |
With a partner, review a popular online blog (ex, CBC blogs, Rex Murphy, Rick Mercer, Jon Stewart) and discuss which of these strategies are used. Which ones are most effective? Why?