SAT Essay Writing & Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In rhetorical analysis, identifying an author's use of statistics primarily supports which appeal?
- Logos (Correct answer)
- Pathos
- Ethos
- Kairos
Correct answer: Logos
Statistics and data appeal to logic and reason, which is logos.
Question 2: When an author cites their own credentials and experience, they are building which appeal?
- Pathos
- Logos
- Ethos (Correct answer)
- Syntax
Correct answer: Ethos
Establishing credibility and authority is the appeal of ethos.
Question 3: A strong analytical essay thesis should primarily explain:
- Whether you agree with the author
- How the author builds their argument (Correct answer)
- A summary of the passage's topic
- Your personal opinion on the issue
Correct answer: How the author builds their argument
SAT essay analysis evaluates how the author constructs the argument, not whether you agree.
Question 4: An author describing a starving child to move readers is using:
- Logos
- Pathos (Correct answer)
- Ethos
- Anaphora
Correct answer: Pathos
Evoking emotion in the reader is the appeal of pathos.
Question 5: Which is the best evidence to quote in a rhetorical analysis paragraph?
- A random sentence from the passage
- A specific line that demonstrates the technique discussed (Correct answer)
- The entire opening paragraph
- Your own invented example
Correct answer: A specific line that demonstrates the technique discussed
Effective analysis quotes specific, relevant lines that illustrate the named technique.
Question 6: The repetition of a word at the beginning of successive clauses is called:
- Alliteration
- Anaphora (Correct answer)
- Hyperbole
- Juxtaposition
Correct answer: Anaphora
Anaphora is the deliberate repetition of words at the start of successive clauses.
Question 7: A good rhetorical analysis conclusion should:
- Introduce a brand-new technique
- Restate how the techniques build the argument's effect (Correct answer)
- Apologize for any errors
- Summarize the passage's plot
Correct answer: Restate how the techniques build the argument's effect
The conclusion should reinforce how the analyzed techniques achieve the author's purpose.
SAT Essay Writing & Analysis 2
In rhetorical analysis, identifying an author's use of statistics primarily supports which appeal?