Question

Read the thesis from a student’s rhetorical analysis essay.

Johnson makes an effective case for the national space program by using powerful emotional appeals and testimonials.

The student wants to add evidence to support the thesis. Which sentence would best serve this purpose?

Johnson states that 73 percent of Americans support a continued national space program.
Johnson compares funding for the national space program to funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Johnson refers to astronaut John Glenn’s endorsement of the program and its impact.
Johnson recalls the pride and national unity created at the height of the national space program.

Answer 1

Johnson refers to astronaut John Glenn’s endorsement of the program and its impact.

This sentence directly shows Johnson using a testimonial (a respected public figure) and points to the emotional effect that endorsement has, which supports the thesis.