Argumentative Writing Terms

Rhetorical Devices and Appeals

Rhetorical Appeals

Ethos

Pathos

Logos

Ethos

This rhetorical appeal focuses on the use of ethics to make a claim.

Ethos examples aim to convince the reader that the writer is reliable, trustworthy, and knows right from wrong (they have strong morals).

If the reader thinks they can trust the person who is making the argument, they are more likely to believe what that person is saying.

Examples that can be used in Ethos

This is not a complete list!

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of ethos?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this quote an example of ethos?

Ms. Nelson, a high school English teacher, says Hershey's chocolate is the superior chocolate manufacturer.

• Yes

• No

Pathos

Pathos is persuasive technique that try to convince an audience through emotions.

Pathos techniques appeal to the senses, memory, nostalgia, or shared experience.

These examples pull at the heartstrings and make the audience feel.

Examples of Pathos

This is not a complete list!

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of pathos?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of pathos?

Your donation will help take this hungry, poor, puppy get off the street.

• Yes

• No

Logos

Logos is the persuasive technique that aims to convince a reader by using logic and reason.

Ever told someone to “listen to reason” during an argument? This is what logos does.

Statistics, surveys, facts, and historical data can make a claim seem like a more reasonable idea. 

Examples of Logos

This is not a complete list!

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of logos?

According to a 2014 national study, 97% of students would benefit from more sleep each night.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of logos?

You should shop at Ulta instead of Sephora because has better lighting, selection, and customer service.

• Yes

• No

Let's Practice!

:)

Multiple Choice

What rhetorical appeal is being used here?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

What rhetorical appeal is being used here?

Because the sky is blue, you should pick blue to be your favorite color.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

What rhetorical appeal is being used here?

1,4573 animals are killed every day in animal shelters around the world. Your donations to Animal Rescuers of The World are helping to save someone's future best friend.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

When you have a commercial for medicine, and they have a famous doctor trying to sell it, which rhetorical approach is that?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

Is this quote an example of which rhetorical appeal?

Dr. Ross, the world's leading expert in dinosaurs, is positive that fossils are located underneath the pyramids in Egypt.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

What rhetorical appeal is being used here?

Diana, a single mother from Texas, is devastated that her house burned to the ground. Anything you can spare to donate would be greatly appreciated!

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

What rhetorical appeal is being used here?

3/4 Doctors recommend using Band-Aid brand.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos