Using Rhetorical Appeals Mrs. Rios

Elements of Rhetoric Rhetoric is the use of words to persuade, either in writing or in speech. Rhetorical appeals are emotional (pathos), ethical (ethos), and logical (logos) appeals used to persuade an audience to agree with the writer or speaker.

Pathos 1. Pathos is a rhetorical appeal to readers or listeners senses or emotions. Ex. 1: "If we don’t move soon, we’re all going to die! Can’t you see how dangerous it would be to stay?" Ex. 2: "After years of this type of disrespect from your boss, countless hours wasted, birthdays missed… it’s time that you took a stand."

Ethos 2. Ethos is a rhetorical appeal that focuses on the character (ethical)or qualifications (credibility) of the speaker. Ex 1: "As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results." Ex 2: "The veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle."

Logos 3.Logos: is a rhetorical appeal to reason or logic Ex. 1 "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas." Ex. 2 "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: we have not only the fingerprints, the lack of an alibi, a clear motive, and an expressed desire to commit the robbery… We also have video of the suspect breaking in. The case could not be more open and shut."

The Rhetorical Triangle Logos: Text: What information, evidence, and logical reasoning are offered within the text? Pathos: Audience: What values, beliefs, and emotions are appealed to within the text? How does the text evoke the audience’s feelings? Ethos: Speaker: What perception of the speaker is created within the text? How does the text evoke the audience’s trust?

Before Reading: “Five Ways Ed Pays” Directions: Read the following examples and then write the part of the triangles in which which each would fit. In “Five Ways Ed Pays”, consider the claims about having a “closer family” accompanied by images of parents with their children. The “more wealth” section of the “Five Ways Ed Pays” video relies on statistics regarding income as the basis for attending college. “Five Ways Ed Pays” uses several different narrators in the voice-over to make the message feel familiar and trustworthy to viewers.

Partner Activity 2. Now, write your own examples for each part of the rhetorical triangle. ETHOS: PATHOS: LOGOS:

Before Reading 3. What do you think is the difference between persuasion and argument? Which appeals might be used for each purpose? 4. Which part of the rhetorical triangle should be emphasized if you want to convince your audience of the validity of your claim?

During Reading: Andrew J During Reading: Andrew J. Rotherham titled, “Actually, College Is Very Much Worth It,” As you read the following speech, annotate the text for examples of logos, ethos, and pathos for your insight. Author’s insight Claim, Evidence to support Claim, Counterclaim, Evidence to support Counterclaim