Rhetorical Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)
What is ethos?
Ethos is an appeal to credibility or trustworthiness.
Ex. Trust me I'm a doctor.
What is the main idea of a text?
The central point or message that the author wants to convey.
What is an author’s purpose?
The reason why an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain.
What does the word “indifferent” mean in the context of Elie Wiesel’s speech?
It means lacking concern or interest, especially when others are suffering.
What was the subject of The Perils of Indifference.
The subject was the Holocaust and other man-made disasters in the last century.
Which rhetorical appeal is used when a speaker tries to make the audience feel something?
Ex. The comercial with the sad puppies.
Pathos
Why is it important to include supporting details in an informational text?
To provide evidence that backs up the main idea and helps the reader understand it better.
If a text is meant to provide facts about a topic, what is the author’s purpose?
To inform.
What does the word “appeal” mean when discussing rhetorical strategies like ethos, pathos, and logos?
It refers to a method used by the author to persuade or convince the audience.
What was Menchú's position on technology in A Plea for Global Education?
Technology is fine so long as it doesn't destroy Mother Nature.
Give an example of logos from an informational text.
Using statistics or facts, reasoning, or logical explanation.
Ex. “According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans are at risk for heart disease.”
What is the main idea?
"The rising levels of carbon dioxide are causing global temperatures to increase."
Rising carbon dioxide levels are causing global warming.
What is tone?
Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject they are writing about.
In the phrase “the poignant stories moved the audience to tears,” what does the word “poignant” most likely mean?
Deeply affecting, touching, or emotionally powerful.
What was the message of Remarks at the UN Assembly?
Women deserve equal rights and opportunities.
Why might a writer use ethos in an informational text?
To build credibility and convince the audience that they are an expert or trustworthy source on the subject.
True or False: A summary should include all the small details from the text.
False. A summary should include only the main ideas and key details.
What tone would you expect in a news article about a natural disaster?
Serious or somber.
What is the meaning of the word “advocate” in this sentence: “She became an advocate for educational reform”?
A person who publicly supports or argues for a cause or policy.
What is intrinsic or extrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is personal motivation, influenced by the self.
Extrinsic motivation is peer motivation, influenced by others.
Identify the rhetorical appeal in the following statement:
"If we don’t act now, future generations will suffer."
Pathos, because it appeals to emotions like concern for the future.
Find a piece of text evidence that supports the main idea of this paragraph.
In a way, to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred. Anger can at times be creative. One writes a great poem, a great symphony. One does something special for the sake of humanity because one is angry at the injustice that one witnesses. But indifference is never creative. Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it.
Message: Being indifferent to suffering is evil.
Text Evidence:
In a way, to be indifferent to that suffering is what makes the human being inhuman.
What is the author’s tone in this excerpt?
“The vibrant community gathered to celebrate, filled with joy and laughter.”
Positive or joyful.
Read this sentence: “The author uses an anecdote to illustrate his point.” What is the meaning of “anecdote”?
A short and interesting story or account about a real incident or person, often used to illustrate a point.
The shadows of objects they didn't know existed.