In logical arguments, claims come in neutral forms – without the “bells and whistles” that evoke our emotions. When persuasive strategies are used to mix in language containing emotive force, language which suggests something without outright saying it, or language …
People use euphemisms and dysphemisms to enhance what they really mean or to avoid directly saying something nasty about a person, place or idea. These terms give you an easier way to talk about something you find very scary or …
Slanters are the bells and whistles, the devices that praise, censure, downplay, obscure, or distract. They are words that are used to convince on an emotional, rather than logical, level. Words like good, tasty, and vibrant are positive slanters while words …
Lessons on Rhetoric (these include activities): A Good Preface: Start Young What is Rhetoric? Three Kinds of Proof | Activity: Pretend You’re a Marketer The 5 Canons of Rhetoric Euphemisms and Dysphemisms 9 Examples of Rhetorical Slanters Sneaky, Sneaky What Did …
Activity: Pretend You’re a Marketer 1. Create an ad based on emotion. Use rhetoric containing emotive force. (Note: Rhetoric frequently involves language that contains emotive force and affects what others believe without actually providing logical reasons for a claim.) Look …
The core focus for kidCourses in 2012 and beyond will be Critical Thinking programs for kids (online and live courses). This section will be ever-expanding, so if you are interested in this topic, please check back often! Please feel free …
In seeing what is coming through in the social arena (Editor’s Note: this article was posted during the #OWS movement), I thought it would be great to be able to teach our kids to think critically in regard to what …
Critical Thinking – Teach Your Kids About Red Herrings and 9 Other Fallacies Read more »
It is never too early to teach rhetoric & critical thinking. Kids think tricks are funny on TV. They understand the whole concept of tricking and manipulating. Before you think that this is all too grown up for your kids, …
Teach Rhetoric + Critical Thinking to Your Kids from the Getgo Read more »
