GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A historian is analyzing a political speech from the 19th century. The speaker repeatedly uses phrases like 'Our noble heritage,' 'the spirit of our forefathers,' and 'the destiny of our great nation.' What is the most likely effect the speaker intends to have on the audience by using this language?
- ATo evoke feelings of patriotism and shared identity.
- BTo encourage critical and independent thinking.
- CTo promote international cooperation and global unity.
- DTo highlight individual achievements and personal freedoms.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. To evoke feelings of patriotism and shared identity.
Phrases like 'noble heritage,' 'spirit of our forefathers,' and 'destiny of our great nation' are all designed to appeal to a sense of national pride, history, and collective purpose, thereby evoking patriotism and shared identity.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This language emphasizes collective identity and tradition, which is less about critical individual thought.
- C. The phrases are highly nationalistic, contrasting with a goal of international cooperation.
- D. The language is collective ('our,' 'nation') rather than focusing on individual accomplishments or personal liberties.
Rhetorical Effect: Evoking Emotion
The impact a speaker's or writer's language has on the audience's feelings, often used to persuade or connect.
- Achieved through word choice (connotation).
- Can elicit feelings like fear, joy, anger, pride.
- A key component of pathos in rhetoric.
Memory trick: What 'effect' does the author's language have on the reader?