1. how writers try to convince readers
Rhetorical Appeals
how writers try to convince readers

2. Logical appeals
what are the facts?

3. Logical appeals rely on evidence to convince readers.
Logical appeals can include
evidence
facts
statistics
research findings
Example
It’s necessary to raise the minimum wage because x% of New Yorkers currently work in minimum-wage jobs and cannot afford housing in any city in the state.
claim
appeal

4. Ethical appeals
who says so?

5. Ethical appeals rely on the authority of a writer or source to convince readers.
Ethical appeals can include
details about credentials
details about positions
references to experience
highlighting who said something
Example
It’s necessary to raise the minimum wage because the head of public policy at Columbia University argues that it will help many New Yorkers.
claim
appeal

6. Emotional appeals
how does it make you feel?

7. Emotional appeals rely on making an impact on feelings to convince readers.
Emotional appeals can include
personal examples
hypothetical examples (‘imagine…’)
direct appeals to one or more emotions
Example
It’s necessary to raise the minimum wage because it’s hard to imagine a more difficult situation for hard- working Americans to be in than working full-time and not being able to pay the rent.
claim
appeal