AP JOURNALS: METHODS of PERSUASION

#1. Method of Persuasion: Appeal to Reason (LOGOS) Logic, reason, statistics, research—this is the most traditional way to change someone’s mind! Having statistics memorized that you can apply to a variety of topics can be helpful with the AP exam (“back- pocket evidence”). PROMPT: Write about a statistic/number that you can recite off the top of your head. What point would this statistic prove? How might it be used to change someone’s mind?

#2. Method of Persuasion Appeal to Emotion (PATHOS) Perhaps the most powerful method of persuasion involves appealing to your audience’s emotions. Almost always, using pathos involves highlighting a vulnerable group (fits well with anecdotes and hypotheticals). PROMPT: Can you think of a vulnerable group that is too often overlooked? Write about what reforms you would like to see to have this group’s needs met.

#3. Method of Persuasion: Establishing Authority (ETHOS) Even the most seemingly humble author will sneakily drop a hint as to why they are especially well-suited to argue on a topic. “In my thirty years in the medical profession…” “As a lifelong San Diegan, I know full well about..” PROMPT: Think of an area where your unique expertise gives you special authority to speak as an expert. What argument would you make in light of your authority?

#4. Method of Persuasion: Rebuttal/Addressing Opposition It’s not enough to say why you’re right. Explaining why the other side is wrong matters too! “They will tell you …, but the truth is…” “One mistake the other side often makes has to do with…” PROMPT: Think of an opinion you have that you feel is especially unpopular, or an idea that you think gets frequently misrepresented. Write about what the other side believes and why they are the ones who are actually wrong!

#5. Method of Persuasion: Concession Admitting a small area where you agree with your opponent can be a smart way of getting them to be more receptive to your broader message. Concede a minor point in order to win the larger battle. “Although it is true that …, this does not mean that …” Any paragraph that begins with the words “Yes” or “True” likely includes a concession. PROMPT: Think of a specific person with views that you disagree with. Is there some small part of their argument that you are willing to admit is correct? Explain why this does not prove that their broader argument is true.

#6. Method of Persuasion: Qualification Similar to concessions, qualifications occur when someone admits that a view usually associated with their own is wrong. Qualifications are nuances or caveats added to the original argument that protect it from misinterpretation. “Though many on my side get it wrong when they say…, this doesn’t mean that our broader point about ____ is wrong.” “To be clear, this does not mean …, it simply means …” PROMPT: Can you think of a person that you are generally prone to agree with but who you still occasionally oppose? Name one minor view that they have that you think is a mistake, then review how this caveat does not invalidate their general perspective.

#7. Method of Persuasion: Precedent In the legal world, precedent means a single event that establishes a new “norm.” Once a decision has been made on the matter once, that decision serves for years to come. “In the 1950’s, the Supreme Court outlawed segregated schooling. No court ruling on this exact subject can occur again.” “But, Mom, you let Josh have TWO cookies yesterday!” “Once Bill Clinton appeared on The Arsenio Hall show, it became typical for presidential candidates to be interviewed on late night comedy talk shows.” PROMPT: Can you think of a time where something didn’t feel “fair” since it was done another way the time before? Write about it.

#8. Method of Persuasion: Appeal to Tradition (or patriotism, religion, etc.) Appeals to tradition involve arguments in favor of doing something as it has been done many times before—even if there is no intrinsic value. “A birthday cake without candles just isn’t right!” “Senators typically appoint judicial nominees even if the judge’s views are different from their own.” PROMPT: Can you think of a behavior in your family that seems rooted in tradition only?

#9. Method of Persuasion: Hypothetical Hypotheticals involve imagining scenarios and the consequences of a proposed action. They almost always involve a strong appeal to emotion or reason. A hypothetical built on cause-and-effect scenarios that seem especially unlikely might be called a “slippery slope” argument. “Imagine if…” PROMPT: What would happen if all guns were outlawed? What does your hypothetical prove?

#10. Method of Persuasion: Anecdotes Anecdotal evidence means any individual story or event (either personal, historical, literary, etc.) that proves a point. They are distinct from research in that they have to do with a single experience. PROMPT: Use any kind of anecdotal evidence to prove or disprove the following: “It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.”