Contemporary Rhetoric: Explore Modern Rhetorical Theory and Practice

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in postmodern rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity is possible and attainable

Answer

Truth is contingent and relative

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Language is performative, producing desired effects

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Meaning is socially constructed through interaction

Question 2

Which of the following is a central tenet of critical race theory (CRT)?

Accepted Answer

Racism is a pervasive and systemic advantage based on race, embedded in social, economic, and political structures.

Answer

Race is a biological construct that inherently determines an individual's abilities and worth.

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Racial discrimination is always intentional and driven by explicit malice.

Answer

CRT is irrelevant to the field of rhetoric and has no implications for understanding communication.

Question 3

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of postmodern rhetorical analysis?

Accepted Answer

It considers the influence of context, power dynamics, and social factors in shaping the meaning and impact of texts.

Answer

It focuses solely on the literal meaning of the text, disregarding context and interpretation.

Answer

It relies primarily on traditional rhetorical devices, such as metaphors and similes, to analyze texts.

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It assumes that the author's intent is always clear and unambiguous, and that the text's meaning is fixed.

Question 4

Which concept is central to the study of public discourse?

Accepted Answer

Deliberation, the process of reasoned discussion and exchange of ideas.

Answer

Consensus, the achievement of complete agreement among all participants in a discourse.

Answer

Dialogue, the respectful and open exchange of perspectives, even in the face of disagreement.

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Persuasion, the attempt to influence others' beliefs or actions through argumentation.

Question 5

Which of the following rhetorical strategies is commonly used to establish credibility and trustworthiness?

Accepted Answer

Ethos, establishing the speaker's credibility and expertise

Answer

Pathos, appealing to emotions and personal experiences

Answer

Logos, relying on logical reasoning and evidence

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Kairos, considering the opportune moment for delivering a message

Question 6

Contemporary rhetorical theory is significantly influenced by which key concept?

Accepted Answer

Deconstruction and fragmentation

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Objectivism and absolutism

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Linear progression and rationality

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Universalism and essentialism

Question 7

Public discourse is shaped by rhetoric through its ability to:

Accepted Answer

Influence how we perceive and interpret information

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Control the topics discussed in public debates

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Prevent dissenting opinions from being heard

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Guarantee consensus on all matters of public concern

Question 8

Postmodernism's principles challenge traditional rhetoric primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Rejecting the stability and objectivity of language

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Embracing a single, universal definition of truth

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Prioritizing emotional appeals over logical reasoning

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Advocating for a return to classical rhetorical forms

Question 9

Which ethical challenge is unique to contemporary rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

Deepfaking

Answer

Plagiarism

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Fabrication

Question 10

How do social movements shape the evolution of rhetorical practices in contemporary society?

Accepted Answer

Social movements foster the development of novel rhetorical genres and strategies.

Answer

Social movements have no bearing on the evolution of rhetorical practices.

Answer

Social movements merely adopt existing rhetorical practices without contributing to their development.

Answer

Technological advancements solely drive the evolution of rhetorical practices.

Question 11

Precise Question: Which aspect is central to postmodern rhetorical theory?

Accepted Answer

Embracing fragmentation and diverse perspectives

Answer

Seeking objective truths

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Adhering to single, dominant narratives

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Disdaining irony and ambiguity

Question 12

According to contemporary rhetorical theory, what is a primary characteristic of digital media as a rhetorical space?

Accepted Answer

Its interactivity and participatory nature

Answer

Its reliance on traditional print conventions

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Its resistance to diverse perspectives

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Its focus on face-to-face communication

Question 13

How has feminist rhetorical theory challenged traditional notions of rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

By emphasizing the role of gender in shaping rhetorical practices

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By advocating for a singular, essentialist view of women's experiences

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By rejecting the concept of power in rhetorical contexts

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By promoting the silencing of marginalized voices

Question 14

Which of the following is a central concept in critical race theory as applied to rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Universalism

Answer

Colorblindness

Question 15

How has postmodernism influenced the contemporary understanding of truth and reality in rhetoric?

Accepted Answer

It has challenged the idea of objective truth and promoted a多元主义 approach

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It has reinforced the importance of traditional, empirical methods of inquiry

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It has led to a rejection of all forms of knowledge and certainty

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It has had minimal impact on the way truth and reality are understood in rhetoric

Question 16

What is the role of kairos in contemporary rhetorical practice?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the opportune moment or context for rhetorical action

Answer

It is a rigid set of rules that must be followed in all rhetorical situations

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It is synonymous with the concept of timeliness

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It has no place in contemporary rhetorical theory

Question 17

How has contemporary rhetoric been used to empower social movements?

Accepted Answer

By providing a platform for marginalized voices

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By promoting the status quo and suppressing dissent

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By endorsing violence as a legitimate means of change

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By creating a divide between activists and the general public

Question 18

Which of the following is an essential ethical consideration in contemporary rhetorical practice?

Accepted Answer

Respect for diversity and inclusion

Answer

Prioritizing self-interest above all else

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Using any means necessary to achieve one's goals

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Adherence to personal beliefs regardless of their impact on others

Question 19

Which of the following is a key skill for effective rhetorical analysis in contemporary contexts?

Accepted Answer

The ability to identify and evaluate multiple perspectives

Answer

The ability to memorize and recite rhetorical figures of speech

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The ability to rely solely on personal intuition

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The ability to ignore the cultural and social contexts of discourse

Question 20

Which poststructuralist philosopher argued that all language is inherently political and that power is inscribed within discourse?

Accepted Answer

Michel Foucault

Answer

Judith Butler

Answer

Jacques Derrida

Answer

Gilles Deleuze

Question 21

How has digital technology influenced contemporary rhetorical practices by expanding the range of contexts and platforms for communication?

Accepted Answer

It has extended the reach and accessibility of rhetorical messages, creating new opportunities for public engagement and dialogue.

Answer

It has made rhetorical analysis more accessible and efficient by providing digital tools for text analysis and visualization.

Answer

It has diminished the significance of traditional rhetorical skills, such as persuasive writing and public speaking.

Question 22

What is a key rhetorical strategy used by social movements to mobilize support and build a sense of collective identity?

Accepted Answer

Framing their messages to resonate with target audiences by using language and symbols that evoke shared values and aspirations.

Answer

Appealing primarily to emotional appeals rather than logical arguments to sway public opinion.

Answer

Using social media exclusively to amplify their reach and connect with supporters, neglecting traditional forms of communication.

Question 23

Which contemporary rhetorical theorist has advocated for a 'public rhetoric' that engages with everyday life, blurring the boundaries between public and private discourse?

Accepted Answer

James Jasinski

Answer

Stephen Toulmin

Answer

Chaïm Perelman

Answer

Kenneth Burke

Question 24

Which of the following is a rhetorical trope commonly used in political discourse to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions?

Accepted Answer

Metaphor

Answer

Simile

Answer

Personification

Answer

Oxymoron

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of rhetorical criticism, a method of analyzing and evaluating persuasive communication?

Accepted Answer

To examine the persuasive techniques and strategies used in communication, assessing their effectiveness and impact on audiences.

Answer

To teach others how to be more effective communicators by providing practical advice and techniques.

Answer

To create new rhetorical theories that can guide future communication practices.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a key concept that shapes contemporary rhetorical theory and practice, challenging traditional notions of objectivity and emphasizing the situated nature of communication?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Audience

Answer

Power

Answer

Context