Chapter 6 Cheat Sheet: Argument and
Rhetorical Appeals
1. Rhetorical Appeals (Persuasion Tools)
Appeal
Ethos
What it Means
Credibility /
Trustworthiness
Pathos Emotions / Feelings
Logos Logic / Reasoning
How to Use
Example
- Show expertise
A doctor writing about health
- Demonstrate fairness &
benefits of exercise
ethics
- Tell personal stories
- Use vivid imagery
Charity ad with sad images of
- Evoke sympathy, fear, or children to inspire donations
excitement
- Present facts, stats,
research
Article showing rising CO₂ levels
- Use cause-effect or
linked to climate change
definitions
- Draw logical conclusions
2. Types of Evidence




Statistical: Numbers, percentages, surveys
Testimonial: Expert opinions, eyewitness accounts
Analogies & Comparisons: Compare with something familiar
Examples & Illustrations: Stories, anecdotes, case studies
Tip: Evidence should always be credible and relevant.
3. Common Logical Fallacies
Fallacy
Ad Hominem
False Dilemma
Hasty
What It Means
Attacking the person instead
of the argument
Presenting only 2 options
when more exist
Claiming too much from too
Example
“You’re too young to understand politics”
“Either you’re with us or against us”
“I met two rude people from NY; all New
Fallacy
Generalization
Slippery Slope
What It Means
little evidence
One step leads to extreme
outcome
Example
Yorkers are rude”
“If we allow homework extensions, soon no
one will do work on time”
4. Kairos & Audience Awareness


Kairos: Right time, right context for argument
Audience Analysis: Understand beliefs, values, and expectations
Example: Emotional appeal for fundraising, logical appeal for scientific report.
5. Combining Appeals



Ethos → Builds trust
Logos → Supports argument with reason
Pathos → Connects emotionally
Strong arguments often mix all three.
6. Practical Tips for Writers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Identify your purpose and audience
Choose appeals appropriate to audience & topic
Provide credible, relevant evidence
Avoid logical fallacies
Revise for clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness
Quick Memory Aid: E + P + L = Powerful Argument



Ethos → Trust
Pathos → Feel
Logos → Reason