ADAPTING YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF ETHOS, LOGOS & PATHOS The Scenario

Setting the Scene For today, you are going to be given a scenario. Based on this scenario, you will be given (timed) intervals to write ideas for how you would defend yourself in this situation, based on the specific type of appeal. You will be given the FACTS of the situation and, although you can draw on your personal character and previous experiences, you cannot deviate from these facts or embellish them. After you are given the facts, you will have to approach your defense from each of the three persuasive techniques of ethos, pathos, and logos.

The Facts You have been accused of cheating. You are unsure of the source; you only know this because your principal called you into a meeting with your teacher. The adults want to protect the sources, so they will not reveal the identities of your accusers. The accusers reported that you were seen copying from several of your neighbors. You were reported to be very sneaky and quiet, as to not gain notice from your teacher. As part of their proof, your test has almost word for word answers the same as another peer. This includes both right and wrong answers. If you are “found guilty,” you will not be allowed to retake the test, so your BEST shot of a final grade is a D. That also means you have to get an A on every assignment and assessment for the rest of the trimester. You are being given an opportunity to offer a rebuttal in the form of a letter that you will read in front of the principal and your teachers. Your parents will also be present at this moment. It’s a good thing you have a handle on some strong powers of persuasion. DON’T’. BLOW. IT.

The ethos appeal Keep in mind, when you take on the ethos appeal, you will work hard to establish yourself as a person of strong character who is worth listening to because you are credible and trustworthy. Make sure to give a little bit of background about yourself and/or the situation to prove why this would NEVER be something that you would even consider.

The pathos appeal For this one, you need to find a way to appeal to your readers’ emotions, making sure that you are pleading your case well. Load up that appeal with some emotional words that are EFFECTIVE for you to win your case.

The logos appeal Finally, you need to appeal to the logical side of people. Interestingly enough, some of your ideas from the previous prompts might also help you here. But also, remember to stick to the facts! Make sure to prove why it would be IMPOSSIBLE for this to have been you.

Putting it all together Because you are a true prince or princess of persuasion, you know that each of three approaches can be highly effective when appropriately used. Now, your job is synthesize your ideas from the three approaches and create a dynamo of a defense that proves your innocence. How much you use—if any—of the three approaches is completely up to you. This is a demonstration of your understanding of the effectiveness of these persuasive techniques. Your letter of defense should not exceed 500 words. Please name it appropriately, by including “My Defense” as the assignment title. Share to