Question

In the last 100 years, the gopher tortoise population has declined by 70%, leaving only 700,000 tortoises in the wild.

In one sentence, explain why the rhetorical appeal, device, or figurative language was used. What is the effect? How does it serve the purpose?

Answer 1

The use of statistics in stating that the gopher tortoise population has declined by 70% in the last 100 years creates a sense of urgency and highlights the severity of the issue, effectively persuading the audience to take action to protect the species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of statistics is a common rhetorical device in persuasive writing or speech. In this case, the statistic that the gopher tortoise population has declined by 70% in the last 100 years is a powerful piece of evidence that grabs the attention of the audience and highlights the urgency of the situation.

By presenting this statistic, the writer or speaker is able to convey the severity of the issue and the need for action to protect the species. The audience is more likely to be persuaded by the argument if they are aware of the scale and impact of the problem.