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138 Unit 2 ■ Appealing to an Audience

RHETORICAL SITUATION
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1. Who is the speaker, and what is his perspective on patriotism? Select
evidence that supports this perspective.
2. How does the rhetorical situation (exigence and context) shape the purpose of
this speech? At the end of the first paragraph, how is Kagan’s response to such
events a definition of patriotism?
3. Kagan often makes logical appeals in this argument. Give an example of facts,
or analogy. Explain how Kagan’s use of logic also furthers an ethical appeal.

CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE
4. Consider Kagan’s evidence. Is the type of evidence effective for his argument?
Why or why not?
5. Identify Kagan’s thesis and describe the line of reasoning that he uses to
support it.

REASONING AND ORGANIZATION

6. How does Kagan build his paragraphs? Are they inductively or deductively
composed? Does this strengthen or weaken his persuasion?
7. What is Kagan’s call to action? How does the evidence connect logically to this
challenge?

LANGUAGE AND STYLE
8. Considering the syntax and diction, what can we gather about the audience?
How does this affect this selection?
9. Kagan juxtaposes many ideas in this passage. Consider two ideas that are
grammatically contrasted, and discuss the relationship of the ideas and the
message this opposition creates.

IDEAS IN AMERICAN CULTURE

10. What does patriotism look like in your community? Can you identify and discuss
what it means to be a patriot today? More importantly, must we all agree on a
definition to be patriotic? Why or why not?

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
11. How does Kagan’s definition serve to mitigate the polarized culture of today?
Explain how the rhetorical situation affects Kagan’s judicious response.

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