Evaluate Logical Arguments Worksheet

PHL/251 Version 6

University of Phoenix Material

Evaluate Logical Arguments Worksheet
Insert your name:
Access the official White House web page at (www.whitehouse.gov) and go to the link for Speeches and
Remarks (http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-and-remarks).
Choose one of the speeches from the last month and read the speech carefully.
Name the article and the source identification of your chosen speech.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
May 30, 2015

Part 1
Matrix
Question

Insert your responses in the rows below.

President Barack Obama

Author/Speaker
Purpose/Thesis
Support of the thesis or
claim
Identify three rhetorical
devices or fallacies you
find in your text.

How does each of the

rhetorical devices or
fallacies affect the
persuasive quality of the
speech?

It is a call to Americans to show their support in passing the USA

Freedom Act.
So today, Im calling on Americans to join me in speaking with one
voice to the SenatePass the USA Freedom Act -- now.
The Act also includes other changes to our surveillance laws -including more transparency -- to help build confidence among the
American people that your privacy and civil liberties are being
protected.
A small group of senators is standing in the way. And, unfortunately,
some folks are trying to use this debate to score political points.
These tools are not controversial. Since 9/11, they have been
renewed numerous times.
This first quote I put down tries to sympathize with people who
believe the USA Freedom Act infringes on our rights and gives the
government too much control. However, it doesnt actually say
anything specific.
The second quote suggests that the only reason this group of
Senators are not supporting the USA Freedom Act is to gain a
political advantage, but that is not necessarily true.
The third quote suggest that just because these tools have been
used before they are not controversial.

Part 2

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Evaluate Logical Arguments Worksheet

PHL/251 Version 6

Short-Essay Response
Write a 350- to 700-word response explaining either why or why you were not convinced by the
argument.
While I believe President Obama is a great speaker and can be very persuasive, his speech did
not convince me to support the USA Freedom Act. I mistrust all politicians, regardless of political
party, and for that reason I dont believe most of the things they say. This speech, like most
political speeches, was too vague. It spoke of President Obamas beliefs on the matter, what he
claimed would happen if the USA Freedom Act was not passed, and what the benefits of it
passing would be. However, it didnt give very many specifics as to what the USA Freedom Act
actually allowed. President Obama did mention a few things, such as the roving wiretap, that
helped government officials better track terrorist, but when it came to the transparency the USA
Freedom Act would add to, there was nothing specific mentioned. I believe this was done
intentionally to play on the American peoples fear of possible terrorist attacks, while attempting to
calm their fear of the government over stepping itself and limiting peoples freedoms and
infringing on their privacy. I think the speech was designed this way, as many are, to be
persuasive and gain support while still being vague enough so that if things do come to light that
shows how the USA Freedom Act will actually infringe on our privacy rights, President Obama
cannot be called a liar. Thats not to say the USA Freedom Act will do such things, I do not know
enough about it to speak on that, but this speech is clearly leaving plenty of wiggle room for
things unmentioned. I feel like this is a common occurrence in many political speeches, not
necessarily lying, but leaving out parts and being vague enough so that it could be interpreted
several ways. By having some specifics that clearly sound good and leaving out details on other
parts, such as the transparency, the President can sound like he is supporting the peoples best
interest while still leaving room for things the people may not like or support. While I wouldnt say
I am opposed to the USA Freedom Act because of this speech, it would take more specific
information for me to support it.

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