Sweet Debate Rhetoric and Logic • Lesson • Lenny.com
Sweet Debate Rhetoric and Logic
A high school English 4 lesson focused on evaluating evidence, rhetorical devices, and vocabulary in context using Chris Hall's 'Will the sugar tax stop childhood obesity'. Includes a professional presentation and a STAAR-aligned assessment.
"Revenue from the tax will be used to fund school lunches."
"Public awareness campaigns are more effective than taxes."
7. In paragraph 8, the author uses anaphora by repeating the phrase "We must..." to —
Establish a sense of collective responsibility and urgency.
Show that the author is the only one who knows the solution.
Make the text sound more like a scientific report.
Address his critics directly and aggressively.
8. What is the author's tone throughout the article?
Indifferent and detached
Sarcastic and mocking
Urgent and persuasive
Optimistic and carefree
9. Which logical fallacy does the author identify in the arguments made by the soda industry?
Ad Hominem: attacking the character of the tax proponents.
Slippery Slope: claiming the tax will lead to total government control of diets.
Hasty Generalization: assuming all sugar is equally dangerous.
Circular Reasoning: stating the tax is bad because it is a tax.
10. The word ubiquitous as used in the article suggests that sugar is —
Extremely expensive and hard to find.
Limited only to desserts and soft drinks.
Pervasive throughout the modern food supply.
Optional for most consumers.
11. Which rhetorical appeal is primarily used when the author discusses the "billions of dollars in healthcare costs" paid by taxpayers?
Ethos
Pathos
Logos
Kairos
12. Hall uses the testimony of pediatricians to establish —
Ethos: credibility through professional expertise.
Pathos: fear about children's futures.
Irony: showing that even doctors can't stop obesity.
Metaphor: comparing children to sugar-addicted consumers.
13. According to the text, what is a common counter-argument to the sugar tax?
It will make sugary drinks taste better.
It infringes on personal liberty and the free market.
It will lead to an increase in cigarette smoking.
It is too low to make any real difference in price.
14. The word efficacy most nearly means —
The speed at which a tax is collected.
The unintended side effects of a policy.
The effectiveness in achieving a desired result.
The popularity of a law among the general public.
15. Which sentence from the text best represents the author's primary claim?
"Sugar is a delicious but dangerous component of our diet."
"While controversial, a targeted tax on sugar is a necessary intervention for public health."
"Many people believe that the government should stay out of the kitchen."
"Obesity rates have doubled in the last twenty years."
Part II: Short Constructed Response
Prompt:
Explain how Chris Hall uses rhetorical devices to support his argument regarding the sugar tax. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Teacher Note: Look for students to name the device (e.g., logos), cite the specific text (e.g., the 10% statistic), and explain its effect on the argument.
