Each time we speak, write, act, or post on a social media site, we must be aware of audience, purpose, tone, and medium. Every type of communication takes place in the context of a larger rhetorical situation.

The term "rhetoric" is often seen in a negative light; we are all familiar with the phrase "empty rhetoric." Wayne Booth's epigram on page 5 - "the only real alternative to war is rhetoric" may cause us to consider rhetoric in a positive light.

Please note: If you quote or paraphrase from your textbook, be sure to indicate what page you quoted or paraphrased.

Q. 1  Think about your favorite commercial. What basic argument does it make? How do its visual images work to forward that argument? Describe the commercial first, and then discuss its visual images and effectiveness. Write 4-5 sentences.

Q. 2  We are all increasingly aware of audience because we all use social media. Think about posting news of a recent personal experience. How would your writing change if you were addressing your post to strangers instead of to friends? Write 4-5 sentences.

Q. 3  Discuss the idea that authors should write from personal authority. How important is it that writers know something about the topic they have chosen? Write 4-5 sentences.

Q. 4  What is academic writing? Why does it pose challenges to both native and nonnative speakers of English? Write 4-5 sentences.

Q. 5  When engaging in academic writing, you are expected to say what you think, and to progress from merely restating what others have said to formulating arguments of your own. How can you do this and still remain objective, or open to the ideas of others? How can you make sure your writing is balanced? Write 4-5 sentences.