Rhetorical Appeals

1) Dentists all over the country recommend this toothbrush.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The statement relies on the credibility of dentists, which is a characteristic of ethos. It appeals to authority, suggesting that trusted professionals endorse the toothbrush.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

2) Reading books each day is beneficial and all students should read for at least twenty minutes each day. Studies have shown that students who read this amount score in the 98th percentile on standardized tests.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The argument uses statistics to support the claim that reading daily improves test scores, appealing to logic and reason. This is an example of logos, as it relies on factual evidence rather than emotional appeal or credibility.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

3) Houses near the coast should be built at least ten feet above sea level because statistics show that waters rise to these heights at least once every twenty years.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The argument uses statistics about sea level rise to support the claim that houses should be built above sea level. This logical reasoning based on data exemplifies logos, as it appeals to reason and evidence.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

4) You leave me home alone by myself all the time, and I never do anything wrong. I've had an iPad for a year and nothing bad has ever happened to it. That's why I'm responsible enough to get a new cellphone.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The argument appeals to ethos by establishing the speaker's credibility and responsibility. They highlight their past behavior with the iPad to demonstrate they can be trusted with a new cellphone.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

5) A dog would be a great addition to our family becuase they are constant, loyal companions who are loving and sweet. A dog would bring us together as a family and make me the happiest daughter on earth.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The argument appeals to emotions by highlighting the love, loyalty, and happiness a dog would bring to the family. This emotional connection is characteristic of pathos, making it the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

6) I know that you have many choices when you are looking for a nanny, but I hope you can consider how many years I have worked in childcare.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The statement appeals to ethos by highlighting the speaker's experience in childcare, establishing credibility and trustworthiness as a nanny candidate.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

7) This family lost everything in the fire. They lost their precious, irreplaceable family photos, not to mention their furniture and everything else they own. They had to start over with nothing. Please donate today to help restore their lives.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The passage appeals to emotions by highlighting the family's loss and suffering, aiming to evoke sympathy and compassion from the audience. This emotional appeal is characteristic of pathos.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

8) Please donate to my cousin. She is going through her third round of chemotherapy and the medical bills are piling up.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The appeal to donate is based on emotional impact, highlighting the struggles of the cousin undergoing chemotherapy. This evokes sympathy and compassion, which is characteristic of pathos, making it the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

9) My grandmother died and I really need the day off to go spend time with my family. They need me at their side during this terrible time.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The response appeals to emotions, highlighting the speaker's grief and need for family support during a difficult time. This emotional appeal is characteristic of pathos, making it the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

10) You should not play football because it is statistically the most dangerous sport in terms of injuries. Also, 76% of football players have received serious head injuries, which impacts their health later in life.

• Ethos

• Pathos

• Logos

• I don't know

Answer explanation

The argument uses statistics about injuries and their long-term effects to support the claim against playing football. This logical reasoning based on data qualifies as logos, as it appeals to reason rather than emotion or credibility.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5