Persuasive Writing

The Rhetorical Appeals

The art of persuasion

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, developed the theory of how arguments are constructed that is still used today.

He said that the goal of persuasion is to…

1. Convince an audience that your point is valid

2. Or that your point is more valid than another’s

Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Tools for Persuasion

• Aristotle described three main tools for persuasion: LOGOS, PATHOS, and ETHOS.

DEFINITION: Logos

Logos means logic.

1. Facts

2. Numbers

EXAMPLE OF LOGOS

•Pesticides contain chemicals, like arsenic, that destroy the nervous system.

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

List specific evidence to support the idea:

Practice: Logos

DEFINITION: Pathos

Pathos means emotion.

1.Feelings/Emotions

2.Biases (prejudice or stereotypes)

EXAMPLE OF PATHOS

•Knowing the warning signs of cancer could save you from suffering the loss of someone you love, like I did.

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

List specific emotional evidence to support the idea:

Practice: Pathos

DEFINITION: Ethos

Ethos means ethical or moral; doing the right thing.

1.Examples of others who have done the right thing

2.People who support this idea

3.You want to do the right thing don’t you?

EXAMPLE OF ETHOS

With your contribution to the ASPCA, you can help an animal in need.

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

What reasons could you give to convince someone that allowing cell phones in school is the right thing to do?

Practice: Ethos

DEFINITION: Kairos

Kairos means timeliness; this is the right moment

Now is the time!

For a limited time only!

Don’t wait!

This offer will not be repeated!

Time is running out!

Appeals are never used alone…

Good persuasive arguments always use all

the rhetorical appeals.

They are the puzzle pieces that form a

persuasive argument.