Logos, Pathos, Ethos (1)
"Don’t let these poor kittens stay in the shelter—adopt one today!"
Pathos — “these poor kittens”
"Buy this chocolate bar—you’ll feel happier, and studies show it can boost your mood."
Pathos > Logos — “you’ll feel happier” (Pathos), “studies show it can boost your mood” (Logos)
Neutral Statement → “Get a job.” (add 1 appeal)
Logos: “A job gives you steady money for what you want.”
Pathos: “Imagine the pride of buying your own stuff without asking anyone.”
Ethos: “Even your mentors will respect you more if you’re working.”
Sell me a pen (1 appeal).
Logos: “This pen lasts twice as long as others.”
Pathos: “Imagine signing your dream contract with this pen.”
Ethos: “Teachers trust this brand of pen.”
Convince a robot to do your chores. (Use Pathos)
One sentence showing emotion to persuade the robot.
"If we recycle just one ton of paper, we save 17 trees."
Logos — “one ton of paper… 17 trees”
"According to the American Heart Association, exercising 30 minutes a day reduces heart disease risk, and doctors recommend this routine."
Logos > Ethos — “reduces heart disease risk” (Logos), “doctors recommend this routine” (Ethos)
Neutral Statement → “Don’t give in to peer pressure.” (add 1 appeal)
Logos: “Following the crowd gets you into trouble fast.”
Pathos: “You’ll feel better knowing you stayed true to yourself.”
Ethos: “Real leaders don’t need to copy everyone else.”
Sell me a backpack (1 appeal).
Logos: “This backpack has 5 compartments and can carry 40 pounds.”
Pathos: “Imagine walking into school confident, knowing all your stuff is organized.”
Ethos: “Athletes and students everywhere use this backpack.”
Convince a talking tree not to drop fruit on your head. (Use Logos)
One sentence using facts or reasoning.
"Imagine how proud you’ll feel walking across the stage at graduation."
Pathos — “how proud you’ll feel”
"Imagine the joy on your child’s face when they open this gift, brought to you by a trusted toy company."
Pathos > Ethos — “Imagine the joy on your child’s face” (Pathos), “trusted toy company” (Ethos)
Neutral Statement → “Kids should/shouldn't be able to bring phones to school.” (add 2 appeals)
Logos: “Statistics show kids get more work done with no phones in school.”
Pathos: “Kids might get mad if they're told not to text in class while they have their phone.”
Ethos: “The principal says phones distract from learning.”
Sell me a pair of sneakers (2 appeals).
Logos: “These sneakers have special cushioning proven to protect your feet.”
Pathos: “Think about how cool you’ll feel walking into class with fresh new kicks.”
Ethos: “Professional athletes wear this exact brand.”
Convince a pirate not to make you walk the plank. (Use Pathos + Ethos)
Two sentences, one showing emotion, one showing credibility/trust.
"As a doctor, I recommend you get eight hours of sleep."
Ethos — “As a doctor”
"Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily improves energy levels, which means you’ll feel less tired and more motivated."
Logos > Pathos — “Eating five servings… improves energy levels” (Logos), “you’ll feel less tired and more motivated” (Pathos)
Neutral Statement → “Staying up all night is a good idea.” (Add 2 appeals)
Logos + Pathos: “You’ll get way more game time, and it’s exciting to feel like you’re breaking the rules.”
Pathos + Ethos: “All the legends in your friend group stay up late—you don’t want to miss out.”
Logos + Ethos: “Some of the most creative people worked at night, and you can too.”
Sell me a smartphone (2 appeals).
Logos: “This phone’s battery lasts 2 days without charging.”
Pathos: “Never miss another memory with your friends—the camera captures every moment.”
Ethos: “Trusted by millions of users worldwide and rated #1 by tech experts.”
Convince a wizard to let you keep your magical powers. (Use Logos + Pathos)
Two sentences, one showing logic/reason, one appealing to emotion.
"If we finish our group project today, we won’t have homework this weekend."
Logos — “If… then” cause-and-effect
"As your history teacher, I can tell you that reading this book will inspire pride in our nation’s achievements."
Ethos > Pathos — “As your history teacher” (Ethos), “inspire pride” (Pathos)
Neutral Statement → “Eating candy for breakfast is smart.” (Add 3 appeals)
Logos: “Candy gives you quick sugar energy for the morning.”
Pathos: “Imagine how happy you’d be starting your day with Skittles instead of cereal.”
Ethos: “Even Willy Wonka would back this plan.”
All 3 Combined: “You’ll feel awesome eating candy, it fuels you fast, and candy experts agree it’s the breakfast of champions.”
Sell me an invisible cloak (3 appeals).
Logos: “The cloak bends light around you so nobody can see you.”
Pathos: “Imagine the thrill of sneaking past your friends undetected.”
Ethos: “Wizards throughout history have relied on cloaks like this.”
Convince an alien not to take you back to their planet. (Use Logos + Pathos + Ethos)
Three sentences, each clearly using a different appeal.