Rhetorical strategies are the techniques authors use to persuade, inform, or engage readers. The Digital SAT asks you to identify these strategies and explain how they serve the author's purpose.
Core Concepts
Common Rhetorical Strategies
- Appeal to logic (logos): using facts, statistics, and logical reasoning.
- Appeal to emotion (pathos): using vivid language, personal stories, and emotional examples.
- Appeal to authority (ethos): citing experts, credentials, or established sources.
- Counterargument and rebuttal: acknowledging opposing views then refuting them.
- Analogy: comparing the subject to something more familiar.
- Repetition: emphasising key points through repetition.
- Rhetorical questions: questions that don't expect an answer but make a point.
How Strategies Serve Purpose
Each strategy is chosen to achieve a specific effect:
- Statistics → establish credibility
- Anecdotes → make the topic relatable
- Counterarguments → strengthen the argument by addressing objections
Strategy Tips
Tip 1: Identify the Author's Purpose First
Is the author trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain? The strategies serve this purpose.
Tip 2: Name the Strategy
When you notice a technique, label it: "This is an appeal to authority" or "This is a counterargument."
Tip 3: Explain the Effect
The SAT often asks not just what the strategy IS but what EFFECT it has.
Key Takeaways
Rhetorical strategies are techniques used to achieve a purpose.
Logos, pathos, ethos are the three classic appeals.
Counterargument + rebuttal strengthens an argument.
Always connect the strategy to its effect on the reader or purpose for the author.
