Question

directions
revisit obamas \address to students\ using the transcript or video: https://www.c-span.org/video/?289203-1/president-obama-address-students
identify at least three claims obama makes about success, responsibility, or education.
for each claim, find one or two supporting details or pieces of evidence.
explain how the evidence helps him persuade his audience — what effect does it have on students?
tip: remember to connect evidence to rhetorical appeals: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), logos (logic).
example entry
claim & evidence graphic organizer

Explanation:

1. Claim: Education is the key to unlocking potential.

• Evidence: "Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn."
• Explanation: Appeals to logos by presenting a logical connection between resources (classrooms, books, etc.) and education (the means to unlock potential). It also has an element of ethos as the speaker (Obama, in a position of authority) is stating the efforts being made, which can build trust with the audience (students) about the importance of education.

1. Claim: Every student has a responsibility to the nation through education.

• Evidence: "What I’m saying is — I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork. But that’s why we’re here. We’re here to offer you our support."
• Explanation: Appeals to pathos by acknowledging the challenges students face (emotional connection) and then presenting support (which can inspire a sense of duty as part of a collective - the nation). The mention of support also has an ethos aspect as it implies a reliable system (the school, the government through Obama) backing the students, reinforcing the idea that their educational responsibility is part of a larger, supported effort for the nation.

1. Claim: Success is built on overcoming failures.

• Evidence: "The story of America isn’t about people who quit and gave up. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best."
• Explanation: Appeals to ethos by referencing the "story of America" (a well - known and respected national narrative) and pathos by evoking a sense of national pride and the emotional pull of perseverance. It encourages students to see failure as a part of the journey (like in the nation's story) and to keep striving for success.

Answer:

1. Claim: Education is the key to unlocking potential. Evidence: "Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn." Explanation: Appeals to logos (logical connection between resources and education) and ethos (authority's efforts).
2. Claim: Every student has a responsibility to the nation through education. Evidence: "What I’m saying is — I know it’s not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork. But that’s why we’re here. We’re here to offer you our support." Explanation: Appeals to pathos (acknowledging challenges, inspiring duty) and ethos (reliable support system).
3. Claim: Success is built on overcoming failures. Evidence: "The story of America isn’t about people who quit and gave up. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best." Explanation: Appeals to ethos (national narrative) and pathos (national pride, perseverance).