Rhetorical Devices for ELs

Rhetorical Devices

Applying rhetorical appeals to argumentative writing

What does rhetoric/rhetorical mean?

• Rhetoric is the art of using words in a certain way to influence (appeal to) emotions, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors.

• Greek philosopher ARISTOTLE is the father or discoverer of rhetoric.

• He believed that when people try to persuade each other, they use three main kinds of rhetoric.

Multiple Choice

Who is the founder or "father" of rhetorical appeals?

• Ms. Bean

• Shakespeare

• Aristotle

• No one

What are the 3 most common types of appeals?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Open Ended

What are the 3 most commonly used appeals?

Ethos (expert)

• this type of argument uses trust and credibility/respect

• can be an actual expert like a doctor

• OR

• can be celebrity or famous person like an athlete or performer

Example of Ethos

Example of Ethos

https://youtu.be/oPO9pxgjhbs

Multiple Select

Which is an example of Ethos persuasion?

• Hundreds of poor little puppies and kittens starve and suffer on the streets. Will you donate to help them?

• Dentists recommend Sparkle Toothpaste for the best clean and healthiest smile.

• 90% of patients who take Healer's Medicine reported no side effects and tested negative for the disease.

Pathos (passion)

• this type of argument uses emotions or feelings

• can be funny, sad, surprising

• OR

• appeal to physical sensations like taste, sound

Example of Pathos

Example of Pathos

https://youtu.be/W39Zow6bFiU

Multiple Select

Which is an example of Pathos persuasion?

• Hundreds of poor little puppies and kittens starve and suffer on the streets. Will you donate to help them?

• Dentists recommend Sparkle Toothpaste for the best clean and healthiest smile.

• 90% of patients who take Healer's Medicine reported no side effects and tested negative for the disease.

Logos (logic)

• this type of argument uses reasoning and facts

• When you use LOGOS, you appeal to your audience’s BRAINS. You make a good point, or you provide research-based evidence.

Example of Logos

Example of Logos

https://youtu.be/cnXapYkboRQ

Multiple Select

Which is an example of Logos persuasion?

• Hundreds of poor little puppies and kittens starve and suffer on the streets. Will you donate to help them?

• Dentists recommend Sparkle Toothpaste for the best clean and healthiest smile.

• 90% of patients who take Healer's Medicine reported no side effects and tested negative for the disease.

Even though Ethos, Pathos, and Logos can be used separately, the strongest and most persuasive arguments use a mixture of appeals. It is important that you consider who your audience is when you are using persuasive appeals.

Poll

How comfortable are you with understanding the rhetorical devices - ethos, pathos, logos?