Final Exam Review - Writing part 1

Ethos is the appeal to . . .

• authority and credibility

• emotions

• logica and reason

• none of the above

Answer explanation

Ethos appeals to the authority and credibility of the author or provider of information.

Pathos is the appeal to . . .

• authority and credibility

• emotions

• logic and reason

• none of the above

Answer explanation

Pathos relies on the reader's emotions to persuade.

Logos is the appeal to . . .

• authority and credibility

• emotions

• logic and reason

• none of the above

Answer explanation

Logos utilizes logic and reason to persuade the reader or audience.

Which persuasive technique is being used in the statement below?

The research - conducted by professors at Harvard University - suggests that you should learn a second language.

• Logos

• Ethos

• Pathos

• None

Answer explanation

This statement utilizes Ethos because the claim is backed by credible sources, the professors at a prestigious university.

Which persuasive technique is being used in the statement below?

If you don't purchase this life insurance, and something happens to you, how will your family survive?

• None

• Logos

• Ethos

• Pathos

Answer explanation

This statement relies on the reader's fear and love for their family, utilizing Pathos.

Which persuasive technique is being used in the statement below?

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. So why start smoking?

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• None

Answer explanation

This statement utilizes statistics and specific numbers to support the claim, therefore utilizing Logos.

Which statement below primarily appeals to pathos to support the position that hospitals should serve more nutritious food?

• As a practicing primary care physician, I observe on a daily basis the health consequences of junk food consumption.

• A patient can hardly be expected to experience better health after eating a plate of french fries so oily they leave grease spots on the bedsheets.

Answer explanation

Pathos relies on emotions. Consider the response that elicits emotions within the reader.

Which statement primarily appeals to logos to support the position that people should take more preventable measures to protect themselves from identity theft?

• The rate of identity theft has risen over the past few years, and thus consumers would be wise to take extra precautions to secure their accounts.

• Identity theft is a persuasive and insidious problem, victimizing everyday consumers and wealthy investors alike.

Answer explanation

Logos appeals to logic and reason. Consider the answer that utilizes logical thought or statistics.

Which statement primarily appeals to ethos to support the position that the government should provide more funding for arts education?

• If we want more of our young people to become creative geniuses instead of metaphorical cogs, we must invest in arts education that begins at an early age.

• Consider the position of the president, who has said in a number of interviews that funding for the arts needs to be a priority.

• One study found that students who participate in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

Answer explanation

Ethos appeals to credibility. Consider the answer that contains a credible source or spokesperson.

Choose the best evidence to support the claim below.

Cheerleading, which requires great physical skill, is a legitimate sport.

• A high school senior told the school newspaper: "My brother is a football player, and as a cheerleader, I train just as hard, take just as many risks, and compete just as seriously as he does."

• Researchers have concluded that cheerleading is now the leading cause of catastrophic injuries for all high school and college females.

• The American Medical Association, the nation's largest physician's group, officially recognizes cheerleading as a sport.

Answer explanation

Consider the strongest type of evidence and support - Ethos, Pathos, or Logos.