According to Moore and Parker (2007), "Even definitions by example can slant a discussion if the examples are prejudicially chosen...If one wants to see all sides of an issue, one must avoid definitions and examples that slant a discussion" (p. 121). This rule also applies to the use of rhetorical explanations.
Consider the following prejudicial rhetorical devices:
· SUVs are apartment homes on wheels (a rhetorical definition).
· Said by a student who is new to honors classes and struggling with them, "I would have aced that test if I weren't in a class full of brainiacs. They studied too much and ruined the curve!" (a rhetorical explanation)
Post your responses to the following:
· How can a person distinguish between the prejudicial and nonprejudicial use of rhetorical devices?