Recognizing Modes of

Persuasion

ObjectiveObjective: I will learn : I will learn to recognize and to recognize and apply rhetorical apply rhetorical

strategies.strategies.

What is “rhetoric”?

Rhetoric is the “art or study of using language effectively.”

Rhetoric may be described as the “persuasive use of language” and “rhetorical strategies” are techniques by which writers persuade readers.

Important Terms:

Audience: Listeners or viewersTone: the writer’s attitude towards the subjectMood: How the listener feels towards the subjectAllusion: reference to a famous piece of

literature or artDiction: the author’s word choice

Rhetorical Triangle

Logos, Pathos or Ethos?

Logos, Pathos or Ethos?

Logos, Pathos, Ethos

Logos, Pathos, Ethos

Aristotle’s Appeals

Emotional Appeal (Pathos): These appeals attempt to engage and arouse the reader’s feelings, fears, hopes, beliefs, and preconceived ideas by using words, phrases, vivid details, anecdotes, personal experiences, and metaphors.

Logical Appeal (Logos): By using facts, statistics, and examples, these appeals are directed to the reader’s reasoning abilities and include both reasons and evidence. These appeals often make it harder for the reader to reject the writer’s argument.

Ethical Appeal (Ethos):an appeal to the character of the individual and to values

Empirical Evidence

Evidence relating to or based on experience or observation.

Evidence you have seen or read for yourself.

Anecdotal EvidenceLargely unscientific. Derived from anecdotes.

Logical EvidenceRely on logic and facts, appealing to an

audience’s sense of reason and his or her respect for authority.

Counterargument/Rebuttal• An argument made to oppose another

argument.

• Refutation of their counterargument

Claim (assertion) Thesis: what you are trying to prove

Grounds (Reasons) Reasons, usually turned into topic sentences, for your thesis.

Backing (Evidence) Evidence in the form of facts or quotes that back up your thesis and topic sentences. Also known as concrete details.

Rebuttal (used after the Counterargument)

A Statement that proves that the counterargument is false.