Rhetorical Appeals
What appeal uses facts and logic to persuade?
Logos
A claim supported by reasons and evidence is called what?
ARGUMENT
“The puppy was timid, hiding behind the chair when visitors arrived.” What does timid mean?
Shy or nervous.
Important pieces of information that support the central idea.
What are key details?
Maya catches up with the bus driver, who finds her homework under a seat. Maya takes it back to class and explains what happened to her teacher.
Which part of the plot is this?
Falling Action
A commercial says, “You can trust our doctors because they have 20 years of experience.” Which appeal is being used?
Ethos
What should you look for when tracing an author’s argument?
The claim, reasons, and evidence.
“Unlike his generous sister, Marcus was selfish and rarely shared anything.” What does generous mean?
Willing to give or share with others.
The main point the author wants readers to understand.
What is the central idea?
Maya starts her first day at a new middle school. She meets her teacher, learns where her classes are, and sits next to a friendly student named Zoe.
Which part of the plot is this?
Exposition
What rhetorical appeal makes an author or speaker seem trustworthy or knowledgeable?
Ethos
CLAIM
The main point an author is trying to prove.
Words or phrases around an unfamiliar word that help determine its meaning.
What are context clues?
A passage discusses recycling and gives statistics, examples, and reasons why recycling helps the environment. What are the statistics and examples?
: Key details that support the central idea.
Maya's teacher accepts her homework and reminds her to check her backpack before leaving home. Maya promises to be more careful the next day.
Which part of the plot is this?
Resolution
“Imagine your child sitting alone at lunch every day. No child should feel this way. Donate today to help.” Which rhetorical appeal is strongest?
Pathos
An author says, “Students should have longer lunch periods because they need time to relax and refocus.” What is the author’s claim?
Students should have longer lunch periods.
“The enormous elephant was gigantic, towering over every animal nearby.” What does gigantic mean?
Very large
A reader identifies the central idea and then selects details from the text that prove or support it. What skill is the reader demonstrating?
Using key details to support the central idea.
Maya finally finds her homework—but it has been left on the school bus! She races outside and sees the bus beginning to pull away.
Which part of the plot is this?
Climax
What rhetorical appeal uses emotions to persuade an audience?
Pathos
An author claims that school uniforms should be required. The author gives reasons for reducing distractions and provides survey results from students. What are the survey results?
Evidence supporting the author’s reasons and claim.
“The athlete was exhausted after running five miles; she could barely stand.” What does exhausted mean?
Extremely tired
A paragraph explains that exercise improves health, strengthens muscles, and gives people more energy. What is the central idea?
Exercise provides many health benefits.
Maya realizes she accidentally left her homework at home. She searches her backpack, asks her mom to bring it, and tries to figure out how she can turn it in before class ends.
Which part of the plot is this?
Rising Action