The Proper Place For Sports

The Proper Place for Sports By Theodore Roosevelt

Questions on Rhetoric and Style

1. Roosevelt argues against sports if they “degenerate into the sole end of any one’s existence” (para. 2). What examples does he give to support his argument? Are they effective? Do they withstand the test of time? Can you apply his argument to participation in sports today?

2. Characterize the letter’s tone. Do some parts seem more presidential than fatherly?

3. How does the first paragraph of the letter balance appeals to logos and pathos?

4. Paragraphs 3 and 4 shift gears; one answers a question about a visit to Groton, and the other reports on Roosevelt’s horses. How does each paragraph contribute to the establishment of ethos?

5. How does Roosevelt achieve his measured response to what was obviously a sense of urgency in the letter to which he is responding? Look particularly at the ways he uses the word if.