Argumentation Vocabulary
Logos = logical appeal = strategic use of claims, logic, and evidence to
convince an audience of a certain point.
contains:
*strong, clear claims
*clear reasons for claims
*strong evidence (facts, statistics, personal experience, expert
authority, interviews, observations)
*acknowledgement of opposition
Ethos = ethical appeal = establishes the writer as fair, open-minded,
honest & knowledgeable – trustworthy and credible
writer is:
*well-informed about topic
*confident, sincere and honest, considerate
*understanding of concerns & objections
Pathos = emotional appeal – targets the emotions of the reader to create
connection with the writer
when done well, it:
*reinforces logical arguments
*uses diction & imagery to create a bond
*appeals to idealism, beauty, humor, nostalgia, or pity in a
balanced way
*presented in a fair manner