Problem
Below this prompt are a few commercials you can choose from. Pick one ad and use it to practice some of the rhetorical analysis skills that you will need for the upcoming essay. In a composition of at least 250 words that analyzes the selling strategy of the commercial and how they persuade the consumer, consider the points below. You must include number 1. Then, choose at least three of the next four questions (questions 2-5) to include in your composition.
A. What is the main argument of the commercial? What is their argument for selling to the consumer and how/why do they use this?
B. Identify at least one weasel word. This can be one of the words listed in the article, or it can be a term you think is weaselly (a word that sounds like a statement of confidence, but allows them to weasel out of their claim)
C. Use at least one key idea from the readings about psychology and advertising. Either one of the two essays from USC or the essay on behaviorism and advertising. Show how the commercial uses this principle from psychology to persuade the consumer and build their selling strategy.
D. Identify how the commercial uses at least one of the persuasive appeals from this week's Thought Board. How does the commercial use this appeal to advance their argument.
E. Point out the use of logos, ethos, and pathos in the commercial. How are they employed to advance the commercial's argument and aid the use of persuasive appeals?