Question

Identify the technique you think the writer used in the following sample.

Introduction: Aristotle said, “The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.” When someone goes though calamity with poise, it is not because they don’t feel anything; it is because they are of a heroic nature. Heroism is being brave and helping other people before yourself, but it does not always have a happy ending.

Conclusion: The best heroes out there are those that put others before themselves. How do we know when someone is a hero? When they face challenges with pure determination, but don’t save or satisfy everyone in the end. It blows us away every time a hero can fix sticky situations, but it is more important to know that a hero is doing what they’re doing for the protection of everyone else. Making mistakes is what makes everything else that they do even more spectacular.

Answer 1

One possible technique that the writer used in the sample is **compare/contrast**. This technique involves evoking familiarity by comparing or creating tension and expectation by contrasting. In this case, the writer compares and contrasts heroism with different outcomes, such as being brave and helping others versus not having a happy ending, or facing challenges with determination versus making mistakes. This technique helps to highlight the complexity and diversity of heroism as a concept and a quality.

Another possible technique that the writer used is **quote**. This technique involves making use of the wordsmiths, or using a quotation from an authoritative source to support or introduce a point. In this case, the writer uses a quote from Aristotle at the beginning of the introduction to establish the idea of heroism as bearing with composure one heavy mischance after another. This technique helps to capture the reader's attention and interest, as well as to show credibility and relevance.

Answer 2

The writer uses the technique of allusion by referencing Aristotle's quote at the beginning of the sample. The writer also uses repetition in the conclusion by repeating the phrase "put others before themselves" and the word "hero" to emphasize the main point of the passage. Additionally, the writer uses persuasive language to convince the reader that heroism is about selflessness and determination, even if there isn't always a happy ending.