Responding to Critical-Reading Questions eng 124

I need an explanation for this English question to help me study.

In this discussion, you will share your efforts to identify indirect (subtle) rhetorical strategies that Robert L. Heilbroner employs in his essay to increase the likelihood that readers would accept his main argument, that is, they would recognize their harmful stereotypical thinking and would work to reduce it. Reread Heilbroner’s essay, looking for his persuasive moves, applying some of the tips from item 2.09 Identifying Rhetorical Strategies.

1. One technique to identify rhetorical strategies involves identifying reasons (or grounds) why a reader might reject a main argument. Assume that the writer likely anticipated and sought to remove those obstacles to acceptance of his main argument. Examine the text to see if/where/and how the writer does so. Before responding to the questions below, type three reasons why someone might reject Heilbroner’s main argument. (3 points possible)

a. the first reason why some readers might reject Heilbroner’s main argument is _____________________

where in the text Heilbroner attempts to remove this potential obstacle? ___________________________

how does he do that? ___________________________________________________________________________________

b. the second reason why some readers might reject Heilbroner’s main argument is _____________________

where in the text Heilbroner attempts to remove this potential obstacle? ___________________________

how does he do that? ___________________________________________________________________________________

c. the third reason why some readers might reject Heilbroner’s main argument is _____________________

where in the text Heilbroner attempts to remove this potential obstacle? ___________________________

how does he do that? ___________________________________________________________________________________

2. In a brief paragraph response, explain/explore why Heilbroner included the information about the origins of our stereotypes? He didn’t have to include it, so paragraphs 7 and 8 must be in there because he deemed that information instrumental in persuading readers to accept his argument. (4 points possible)

3. Reread paragraph 19 closely. Why does Heilbroner end his essay in the way that he does? What effect might he project for readers in relationship to his main argument? How might his choice of essay closure increase the likelihood that readers would recognize and perhaps reduce their stereotypical thinking? (2 points possible)

4. Come up with at least one other move that Heilbroner makes to increase the likelihood that readers will accept his main argument and describe that move, following the template below. (4 points possible)

Model/Template Based on Heilbroner’s Argument

choice/strategy: to make sure that his readers will admit that they have stereotypes

where/how does he do this in the text? by opening his essay in the way that he does – listing stereotypes that aren’t that harmful and not naming them as stereotypes.

why might he have made this choice? / how may he have perceived that which might help him increase the likelihood readers will accept his argument? Heilbroner likely knows that many of his readers would be hesitant to acknowledge that they stereotype, especially given the negative connotations associated with the word stereotype in society. Acknowledging their stereotypes, however, is the first and necessary step in accepting his main argument——to work toward reducing them. If they don’t acknowledge they have stereotypes, Heilbroner knows, his readers will not be able even to consider his proposition to minimize their prejudgments. By presenting the list of “stereotypes” at the beginning of the text, before labeling them as such, Heilbroner hopes his readers will nod along and smile, recognizing that they, too, have the same false preconceived ideas about others. In contrast to having used the word stereotype and putting his readers’ defenses up from the very beginning, this “listing strategy” would set them on a path toward accepting his main argument. Certainly, this move doesn’t mean that his readers will accept his main argument, but there’s no chance they will unless they acknowledge the presence of their stereotypes.

In addition, make at least two meaningful responses to the posts of our classmates. (2 points possible)