Ethos, Pathos, Logos

On Rhetoric and Rhetorical Appeals

What do we mean by rhetoric when talking about a persuasive text?

Rhetoric is a term for how you build an argument and persuade others.

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It was developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, and his three rhetorical appeals--logos, pathos, and ethos--have inspired everyone from world leaders to car salesmen and helped make arguments more effective.​

Aristotle outlined three rhetorical devices (also called appeals) that can help us persuade others and build arguments.

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1. Logos - Also known as logic, this involves using evidence and data

2. Pathos - This involves invoking your audience's emotions

3. Ethos - Also called ethics, this requires establishing credibility and authority

Three Rhetorical Devices

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​What is Logos?

When someone uses logos, they are using evidence and data to persuade.

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Examples could include:

• Using statistics and other "hard data"

• ​Using graphs, charts, and/or tables

• Making comparisons

• Using good reasoning, meaning you have a logical argument

​What is Pathos?

When someone uses pathos, they are using emotion to persuade.

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Examples could include:

• Making your audience feel sad, guilty, or empathetic

• Using jokes and humor

• Using inspirational stories or messages

• Using an emotional tone or body language

​What is Ethos?

When someone uses ethos, they are persuading by establishing their credibility or authority.​

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Examples could include:

• Using or citing experts on the subject

• Sharing personal experiences

• ​Establishing your own expertise or authority

• ​Demonstrating to your audience that you are trustworthy and honest

Multiple Choice

"The veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle."

• logos
• ethos
• pathos

Multiple Choice

Using emotion to persuade your audience. The Greek word for "suffering" or "experience"...

• Ethos
• Pathos
• Logos
• Rhetoric

Multiple Choice

Appeals to audience because the speaker appears trustworthy. This appeal is Greek for "character".... 

• Pathos
• Logos
• Ethos
• Rhetoric

Multiple Choice

This appeal persuades by using reasoning.

• Ethos
• Pathos
• Logos
• Rhetoric

Multiple Choice

The professional golfer Tiger Woods endorses Nike.

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

Dentists recommend using Colgate Total more than any other brand of toothpaste.

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

Advil Liqui-Gels provide up to 8 hours of continuous pain relief.

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

A teenager disgustedly waves away an offer for cigarettes.

• ethos

• pathos

• logos

Multiple Choice

Which type of rhetoric is most strongly used in this advertisement?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

Which type of rhetoric is most strongly used in this advertisement?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

What type of appeal is this Ad making?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

Multiple Choice

What emotion is this Pathos appeal attempting to evoke?

• Pride and Ego

• Fear Up

• Love of___

• Hate of___

Categorize

Options (8)

Research reveals that the average income of new residents in gentrified areas is 50% higher than that of previous residents.

Statistics demonstrate that public investment in gentrified neighborhoods often results in a 15% increase in local business revenue.

Over 12 million #MeToo stories were shared in 24 hours, showing the widespread impact of sexual

"‘I was silenced for years,’ Sarah says. ‘Speaking out through #MeToo gave me strength to reclai

Community leaders share personal stories of resilience and the fight against systemic inequality.

Activist Maria Gonzalez speaks about her journey from victim to advocate, inspiring others to find their voice.

Maria shares her story of losing her childhood home due to rising rents, expressing her heartbreak.

David reflects on the memories tied to his favorite local café, now replaced by a high-end restaurant.

Organize these options into the right categories

ethos

pathos

logos