Rhetorical essay

Dihydrogen Monoxide is a chemical compound you have probably never heard of. When I was 6, I accidentally inhaled dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) and almost died. I didn't really understand the dangers of DHMO. My parents didn't either. Because of that I nearly lost my life.

In a recent survey conducted on polltogo.com, 94 percent of Americans were against a ban on DHMO. However, when they learned about how dangerous and pervasive DHMO was, of those resurveyed, 80 percent favored a ban! What did these people learn that changed their minds?

In its liquid form, it can kill you. In solid for, DHMO causes tissue damage, possibly leading to ambutation. In its gas form, it can cause severe burns.

DHMO has a major impact on the environment as well. It is the leading component of acid rain. DHMO causes soil erosion. It is responsible for the oxidation and corrosion of many metals. Thermal variations of DHMO are the suspected cause of the weather phenomena knows as El Nino.

Who would use such a dangerous substance?

DHMO is a known industrial solvent and coolent, even being used in nuclear power plants. Monsanto uses DHMO in the creation of genetically modified seeds and crops. DHMO is used in community swimming pools to maintain chemical balance. It is used as a food additive and is also found in household products designed specifically for children. The KKK, Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups are known to use DHMO.

According to the CDC, on average 10 people a day die from inhaling DHMO. That's more than 3500 people a year! Texas leads the nation in DHMO inhalation deaths.

There has been much attention in the news lately given to DHMO inhalation after individuals have left areas of high DHMO concentration. It is sometimes called secondary DHMO exposure. Symptoms begin 1-24 hours after the critical event. Children are at the greatest risk of death from secondary DHMO exposure. They may unknowingly inhale a small amount of DHMO. The DHMO becomes trapped, causing a pulmonary edema. The individual may stop breathing, experience brain damage or death.

Athletes use DHMO to enhance their performance. While the government regulates other substances they ignore the advantage DHMO gives to athletes. Numerous studies have shown that athletes who ingest a large quantity of DHMO before an event perform better. There are some risks associated with ingesting large quantities before athletic competition, including nausea and vomiting. However, most athletes said they are willing to take the risk.

Every single person who perpetrated gun violence on a large scale admits to having used DHMO. Even more alarming, is once in police custody, these individuals frequently requested DHMO and the police, those sworn to protect us, complied with the request!

If we can't trust the government to protect us, what can we do?

First, we can't panic. It is important to know that we can't totally avoid DHMO. We can avoid most risky situations by being careful. If you are in a situation where you will be exposed to large quantities of DHMO, be mindful of yourself, but especially mindful of small children who are at greatest risk of accidental inhalation.

Second, know the warning signs of DHMO overdose. These include: excessive sweating and urination, feeling bloated or nauseous, vomiting and electrolyte imbalance.

If you suspect you may have accidentally inhaled DHMO or overdosed, consult a medical professional.


Until the government recognizes the risks, we must all use caution and spread the word about the dangers out this unregulated chemical compound.

To learn more about DHMO, visit http://www.dhmo.org

Real life rhetoric examples

This is an example of rhetoric. It uses mainly logos and pathos.

This intention of this video is to persuade people to help animals. It uses music and video create an emotional response or pathos. Throughout the video, facts are given appealing to logos or logic.The main speaker in the video is a famous singer and animal rights activist. Her fame is used to appeal to ethos or credibility.

It is effective because it is hard for most people to see others, even animals in pain. The images plus the music make it seem very sad for the animals. The song is called Arms of the Angels. To me, this sounds like each one of us can be an angel to an animal in need. It makes me feel like I would be doing something important if I helped an animal through a rescue organization.

Rhetoric examples in Enders Game Chapters 1-7

The best example of rhetoric in Chapters 1-7 of Ender's Game is when Colonel Graff convinces Ender to go to Battle School.

Colonel Graff begins by telling Ender some of the truth. Ender will not be home for a very long time. There aren't any vacations. It will be very hard for Ender (p.21).

His logos argument continues when Graff explains to Ender that his life has cost his parents quite a bit. Ender is a third and his parents are clinging to religion. Having more than two children was considered criminal. Graff tries to make Ender see that his parents had a Third for a reason: they had not given up their religion. Graff wants Ender to make his life meaningful by going to Battle School.

From here, the logical appeal changes to an emotional appeal, or pathos. Graff tries to get Ender to believe that he can relieve the burden on his parents by leaving.

"Not anything you do, Ender. Your life itself. Your brother hates you because you are living proof that he wasn't good enough. Your parents resent you because of all the past they are trying to evade," Graff explains (p. 23).

After making Ender feel unimportant, unloved, and unwanted by his family, Graff moves to getting Ender to see that Battle School can be a new family for him. Battle school will appreciate Ender. "But if there's a chance that because you're with the fleet, mankind might survive and the buggers might leave us alone forever--then I'm going to ask you to do it. To come with me" (p. 25).