A Lesson on Rhetorical Appeals:A Lesson on Rhetorical Appeals:Ethos, Pathos, LogosEthos, Pathos, Logos

Pre-AP English IIPre-AP English II

What is Rhetoric?What is Rhetoric?

Rhetoric (n) -Rhetoric (n) - the art of speaking or writing the art of speaking or writing effectively (Webster's Definition). effectively (Webster's Definition). – According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in

each particular case, to see the available each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion.“means of persuasion.“

– He described three main forms of rhetoric: He described three main forms of rhetoric: Ethos, Logos, and PathosEthos, Logos, and Pathos..

Three Rhetorical AppealsThree Rhetorical Appeals

EthosEthosLogosLogosPathosPathos

Ethos (Credibility)Ethos (Credibility) Ethos:Ethos: the source's credibility, the the source's credibility, the

speaker's/author's authority speaker's/author's authority

Strategies:Strategies:Generate respectGenerate respectBecome an authority on the subject Become an authority on the subject Be likableBe likable

Ethos Example:Ethos Example:

Product: George Foreman and his Grilling Product: George Foreman and his Grilling MachineMachine

Repertoire: Boxing Champ and a PreacherRepertoire: Boxing Champ and a Preacher

Why is George Foreman credible?Why is George Foreman credible?

Logos (Logical)Logos (Logical)

Logos:Logos: the logic used to support a claim; the logic used to support a claim; can also be the can also be the factsfacts and and statisticsstatistics used used to help support the argument. to help support the argument.

Logos Example: Logos Example:

Idea: Students should be allowed to use cell Idea: Students should be allowed to use cell phones during school hours.phones during school hours.– – –

List three supporting facts and/or statistics that List three supporting facts and/or statistics that will support this idea.will support this idea.

Pathos (Emotional)Pathos (Emotional)

Pathos: Pathos: persuading by appealing to the persuading by appealing to the reader's emotions.reader's emotions.

Strategies:Strategies: Language choiceLanguage choice NarrativesNarratives Anecdotes (short personal stories)Anecdotes (short personal stories)

Pathos Pathos Example:Example:

How does this How does this advertisement appeal advertisement appeal to emotion? Why?to emotion? Why?