Rhetorical Appeals
This appeal relies on facts and logical reasoning.
What is Logos?
A headline designed only to make someone click is called this.
What is clickbait?
Writing for teens requires a different tone than writing for this group.
Who are parents (or church members)?
Correct this sentence:
“social media influences many students attention spans.”
“Social media influences many students’ attention spans.”
Before publishing in The Roar, writers should apply this biblical filter.
What is Philippians 4:8?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
This appeal builds trust through credibility and moral authority.
What is ethos?
Leaving out important facts to shape opinion is a form of this.
What is bias through omission?
Revising to better fit the reader’s expectations demonstrates this.
What is audience awareness?
Which punctuation mark correctly joins two related independent clauses?
What is a semicolon?
This principle means presenting both sides fairly.
What is balance?
“If you don’t act now, your future will be ruined!”
What is Pathos?
“Everyone agrees this is the worst decision ever.”
What manipulation technique is being used?
What is exaggeration / overgeneralization?
Changing emotional language to neutral wording is an example of this writing skill.
What is revision for tone?
Editing focuses on grammar and mechanics, while revision focuses on this.
What is clarity, organization, and purpose?
Publishing unverified information violates this journalistic value.
What is accuracy (or integrity)?
When a journalist includes expert testimony to build credibility, they are using this appeal.
What is ethos?
Social media platforms keep users engaged by targeting this.
What are emotions (or emotional triggers)?
Rewrite “Social media is ruining everything” in a more balanced tone.
Example: “Social media has both benefits and challenges that deserve thoughtful evaluation.”
A headline should be clear and concise rather than this.
What is sensational or exaggerated?
A score of 3 on the Roar rubric represents this level of journalism.
What is proficient, strong grade-level journalism?
Explain the difference between persuasion and manipulation using rhetorical appeals.
What is Persuasion uses truthful appeals ethically; manipulation exaggerates or distorts appeals to control emotion?
According to The Social Dilemma, the real product being sold is this.
What is user attention (or user data)?
Why must writers revise when changing audience?
Because tone, word choice, and reasoning must match the audience’s values and expectations.
Why is editing essential for journalism?
Because errors damage credibility and clarity.
Give one example of how a Roar article could unintentionally become manipulative.
Example: Using exaggerated headlines, emotional fear tactics, or omitting key context.