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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Based on Aristotle's discussion of objections, what would be the purpose in making a similar appeal to an argument?
(a) To overshadow it.
(b) To complicate it.
(c) To contradict it.
(d) To simplify it.

2. Focusing on what they found useful, what did Aristotle say older people cared less about?
(a) Honor and the opinions of others.
(b) The past and the opinions of others.
(c) Honor, the past, and the opinions of others.
(d) Honor and the past.

3. What was used in the example that argued the existence of a "non-animal" in Book II, Chapter 24?
(a) Fruit.
(b) Tree.
(c) Leaf.
(d) Rock.

4. In order to object to an argument using Aristotle's explanations, how might it be attacked?
(a) Scientifically.
(b) Rationally.
(c) Humorously.
(d) Directly.

5. Which one of the following would be an example of amplification?
(a) The positive effects of a political plan.
(b) The ineffective results of a political plan.
(c) The effective results of a previous political plan.
(d) The unintended effects of a political plan.

6. In Book II, Chapter 26, how many common errors did Aristotle discuss?
(a) Two.
(b) None.
(c) One.
(d) Three.

7. What types of examples did Aristotle discuss in Book II, Chapter 20?
(a) Actual facts, hypothetical facts, and invented facts.
(b) Actual facts and hypothetical facts.
(c) Hypothetical facts and invented facts.
(d) Actual facts and invented facts.

8. Although a refutative enthymeme might be more effective in a certain sense, how did Aristotle describe all enthymemes?
(a) Inequally valid.
(b) Equally valid.
(c) Inequally sound.
(d) Equally sound.

9. Why did Aristotle prefer the periodic prose to the free-running prose?
(a) Periodic prose was easier to use.
(b) Free-running prose had just been introduced.
(c) Free-running prose had fallen out of fashion.
(d) Periodic prose was more familiar.

10. What was thought to be incorrect about the example of the misuse of the epithet that Aristotle provided?
(a) An ordinary adjective was applied to an extraordinary noun.
(b) An extraordinary verb was applied to an ordinary noun.
(c) An ordinary verb was applied to an extraordinary noun.
(d) An extraordinary adjective was applied to an ordinary noun.

11. What did Aristotle think orators should be careful of when writing their speeches?
(a) Not to make them overly informative.
(b) To make them over ten minutes in length.
(c) To make them under ten minutes in length.
(d) Not to make them overly poetic.

12. How many common mistakes did Aristotle indicate were made in prose?
(a) Two.
(b) Three.
(c) Too many to list.
(d) Four.

13. As pointed out by Aristotle, what advantage did a speech that included a surprise have for a listener?
(a) The listener would be more likely to understand it.
(b) The listener would be more likely to repeat it.
(c) The listener would be more likely to remember it.
(d) The listener would be more likely to agree with it.

14. Which one of the following was not included in Aristotle's recommendations for orators on how to write and speak their arguments?
(a) Abundance of detail.
(b) Non-logical means.
(c) Convincing delivery.
(d) Eloquent style.

15. According to Aristotle, what was the general difference between enthymemes and examples?
(a) Examples were more persuasive than enthymemes.
(b) Enthymemes were more persuasive than examples.
(c) Both enthymemes and examples were just as persuasive.
(d) Neither enthymemes nor examples were persuasive.

Short Answer Questions

1. Continuing the theme of Aristotle's logic, what could be used to deduce the impossible?

2. In addition to context, what type of application of rhetoric did Aristotle think should determine the style?

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

4. In comparison to a spoken speech, how did Aristotle think a written speech would often appear?

5. What did the paean avoid in order to gain Aristotle's endorsement as the ideal rhythm for prose?

(see the answer keys)

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