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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. As explained in Book I, Chapter 3, which type of rhetoric attempted to convince a legislature to take a particular action?

2. Based on Aristotle's explanation, why was it not possible to be angry at humanity in general?

3. What did Aristotle think the extent of virtues was based on?

4. Why did Aristotle think the completion of a difficult task was pleasant?

5. Which kind of distinction was made by Aristotle between war and peace, and national defense?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which ways should the political rhetorician consider the degree of goodness in forming a convincing argument?

2. How was dialectic defined and what was its connection to rhetoric?

3. What differences between a rhetorician and a dialectician were mentioned by Aristotle?

4. What definition did Aristotle give for 'rhetoric' at the beginning of the book?

5. How was justice described by Aristotle and why was virtue a significant part of rhetoric?

6. What knowledge of the forms of government did Aristotle think was necessary for a political rhetorician to have?

7. Based on Aristotle's analysis of crimes, what would cause a person to commit a crime and how would they select their victim?

8. What were the two types of laws explained in Book I, Chapter 10?

9. Besides war and peace and national defense, what other subjects of political oratory did Aristotle include in Book 1, Chapter 4?

10. Which causes of human action did Aristotle outline in Book I, Chapter 10, and which ones were voluntary?

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

Compare and contrast enthymemes and examples in rhetoric. Include an analysis of the twenty eight forms of enthymemes, the two types of examples, Aristotle's reference to historical and political examples of both, and how enthymemes and examples were applied to rhetoric in general.

Essay Topic 3

A discussion of the epilogue ended On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse by Aristotle.

1) Describe the responsibilities of an epilogue in a speech.

2) Explain the techniques that can be used in an epilogue and what the rhetorician should do after the epilogue is completed.

3) Analyze the effect of Aristotle's work on current and future rhetoric, speeches, dialogue, and literature.

(see the answer keys)

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