Rhetoric and Emotions Conflict
Activity 13: Thinking Critically
In your group, answer the following questions about the traditional rhetorical appeals that Greg Krikorian makes in “Many Kids Called Unfit for Adult Trial.” Write down your group’s answers so you can share them with your classmates.
Group 1
Questions about Logic (Logos) 1. What are Krikorian’s major claims and assertions? Do you agree with his claims? 2. Are any of his claims weak or unsupported? Which claims, and why? 3. Can you think of counterarguments that Krikorian does not consider? 4. Do you think Krikorian left something out on purpose? Why?
Questions about the Writer (Ethos) 1. Krikorian is reporting on a study by Thomas Grisso. What is Grisso’s background? Do you think he is trustworthy? 2. Krikorian also quotes Laurence Steinberg. Who is he? Is he a reliable person to interpret what the study means? 3. Krikorian is a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times who frequently writes about legal issues. Does he seem trustworthy to write about this topic? Why or why not? 4. Can you tell what Krikorian’s point of view is, or can you tell only the point of view of the author of the study?
Questions about Emotions (Pathos) 1. Does “Many Kids” affect you emotionally? Which parts? 2. Do you think Krikorian is trying to manipulate your emotions? In what ways? At what point? 3. Do your emotions conflict with the logical interpretation of the arguments?
Group 2
Questions about Logic (Logos) 1. What are Thompson’s major claims and assertions? Do you agree with his claims? 2. Are any of his claims weak or unsupported? Which claims, and why? 3. Can you think of counterarguments that Thompson does not consider?
Questions about the Writer (Ethos) 1. What is Thompson’s background? Do you think he is trustworthy? 2. Does Thompson seem deceptive? Why or why not? 3. Can you tell what Thompson’s point of view is?
Questions about Emotions (Pathos) 1. Does “Startling
In your group, answer the following questions about the traditional rhetorical appeals that Greg Krikorian makes in “Many Kids Called Unfit for Adult Trial.” Write down your group’s answers so you can share them with your classmates.
Group 1
Questions about Logic (Logos) 1. What are Krikorian’s major claims and assertions? Do you agree with his claims? 2. Are any of his claims weak or unsupported? Which claims, and why? 3. Can you think of counterarguments that Krikorian does not consider? 4. Do you think Krikorian left something out on purpose? Why?
Questions about the Writer (Ethos) 1. Krikorian is reporting on a study by Thomas Grisso. What is Grisso’s background? Do you think he is trustworthy? 2. Krikorian also quotes Laurence Steinberg. Who is he? Is he a reliable person to interpret what the study means? 3. Krikorian is a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times who frequently writes about legal issues. Does he seem trustworthy to write about this topic? Why or why not? 4. Can you tell what Krikorian’s point of view is, or can you tell only the point of view of the author of the study?
Questions about Emotions (Pathos) 1. Does “Many Kids” affect you emotionally? Which parts? 2. Do you think Krikorian is trying to manipulate your emotions? In what ways? At what point? 3. Do your emotions conflict with the logical interpretation of the arguments?
Group 2
Questions about Logic (Logos) 1. What are Thompson’s major claims and assertions? Do you agree with his claims? 2. Are any of his claims weak or unsupported? Which claims, and why? 3. Can you think of counterarguments that Thompson does not consider?
Questions about the Writer (Ethos) 1. What is Thompson’s background? Do you think he is trustworthy? 2. Does Thompson seem deceptive? Why or why not? 3. Can you tell what Thompson’s point of view is?
Questions about Emotions (Pathos) 1. Does “Startling