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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Using an example of the similarities or differences between parents and their children, how did Aristotle describe Socrates' children?

2. Why was a refutative enthymeme considered to be more effective by Aristotle?

3. As both illustrations and fables utilized imagery to make a point, what type of imagery did Aristotle think fables used?

4. Based on Aristotle's discussion of objections, what would be the purpose in making a similar appeal to an argument?

5. Which one of the following was not included by Aristotle in the forms of surprises he mentioned?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which styles of political, forensic, and epideictic rhetoric were discussed at the end of Book III, Chapter 12?

2. As the second type of example, what were the two forms of the invented facts?

3. What were some of the ways Aristotle described what was and was not possible in rhetoric and oratory?

4. What were some of the characteristics of a refutative enthymeme?

5. What value could surprises have in a speech, and what were some of the forms they could take?

6. What was Aristotle's opinion of the paean rhythm in prose?

7. Why might an enthymeme have been more effective with a surprising conclusion?

8. What were the four ways that Aristotle listed about how objections could be raised?

9. Based on Aristotle's discussion at the beginning of Book II, Chapter 12, which things could influence a person's feelings?

10. What was the benefit of using actual facts, the first type of example?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Feelings and emotions were present in both powerful speaking and rhetoric.

1) Describe ten of the emotions that Aristotle included in the book, their characteristics, and how they can influence a person's actions

2) Explain the origin of feelings and emotions, and why they are important in rhetoric.

3) Analyze the effect that emotion has in rhetoric, its ability to gain the trust of the audience and when it should be included in a speech.

Essay Topic 2

Define rhetoric in detail, its uses, and in which settings it would be the most effective. Include an analysis of the three modes of persuasion as well as two examples of each mode.

Essay Topic 3

Besides sound argumentation, Aristotle thought that prose was very effective in rhetoric and speeches.

1) Describe the connection between prose and poetry and how prose was mainly used in rhetoric.

2) Explain the reasons why prose could be used in rhetoric, which audiences Aristotle thought would respond to it, and why.

3) Analyze the four common mistakes made in prose, examples of each mistake, and ways to avoid them.

(see the answer keys)

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