Arguments that almost never work….
-All my friends are going
-You never let me go anywhere
-It’s only rated “R” because of the cursing
-I hear and see worse stuff every day
-I’ll do the dishes for a week
-If you let me go, I won’t ask for anything else
-If I’m at the movie, you will have the house to yourself
Pathos
Logos
Appeal to Emotions or
Feelings
Appeal to logic
(intelligence)
Ethos
Ethical Appeal of the
author or speaker
Emotional words
Statistics
Sincere words
Connotative meanings
Definitions
Appropriate vocabulary
Emotional examples
Quotations
Correct grammar
Figurative language
Informed Opinions
Appropriate language
Vivid descriptions
Analogies
Speaker seems
knowledgeable
P is for pathos, pitiful, pathetic, painful
L is for logos, logic, learned, linear, lessons
E is for ethos, ethical, easy to believe, expert
 Pathos-deals with
emotions
 Logos-deals with thinking
 Ethos-deals with believing
the speaker
I work incredibly hard both during school and at my weekend
job. I only make minimum wage, but I never complain. If I get
asked to do something for someone, I always do it out of the
kindness of my heart. For example, when Nana was sick in the
hospital, I took care of all 4 of my younger cousins so that Nana
could have all 3 of her own children together for one last time in
the hospital room. I don’t buy expensive clothes or stay out past
my curfew. I almost never ask for anything for myself. So just
this once, I am asking to go to see a rated “R” movie. I hope that
before you answer, you will consider how much I do for others.
I work incredibly hard both during school and at my weekend
job. I only make minimum wage, but I never complain. If I get
asked to do something for someone, I always do it out of the
kindness of my heart. For example, when Nana was sick in the
hospital, I took care of all 4 of my younger cousins so that Nana
could have all 3 of her own children together for one last time in
the hospital room. I don’t buy expensive clothes or stay out past
my curfew. I almost never ask for anything for myself. So just
this once, I am asking to go to see a rated “R” movie. I hope that
before you answer, you will consider how much I do for others.
The rated “R” movie has been reviewed by Gene Siskel, who
referred to it as “an intellectual thriller that is not the typical
movie parents forbid their teenagers from viewing.” It has been
nominated by the Screen Actors’ Guild for best screenplay.
Additionally, the novel on which the movie is based was
approved by my school for reading at the 7th grade level.
Therefore, viewing the film is a supplement to my education.
May I see the movie?
The rated “R” movie has been reviewed by Gene Siskel, who
referred to it as “an intellectual thriller that is not the typical
movie parents forbid their teenagers from viewing.” It has been
nominated by the Screen Actors’ Guild for best screenplay.
Additionally, the novel on which the movie is based was
approved by my school for reading at the 7th grade level.
Therefore, viewing the film is a supplement to my education.
May I see the movie?
I am a well-read, straight “A” student, who has perfect
attendance in school. My history of honesty and being
forthcoming with you about serious matters has always been my
policy. I have read the novel on which this movie is based. My
research shows that the movie received this rating because of
language used by a minor character. I have been raised by you
to know right from wrong, and seeing this movie will not undo
any of the lessons I have learned nor cause me to falter in my
way of speaking. May I see the movie?
I am a well-read, straight “A” student, who has perfect
attendance in school. My history of honesty and being
forthcoming with you about serious matters has always been my
policy. I have read the novel on which this movie is based. My
research shows that the movie received this rating because of
language used by a minor character. I have been raised by you
to know right from wrong, and seeing this movie will not undo
any of the lessons I have learned nor cause me to falter in my
way of speaking. May I see the movie?
Pathos + Logos + Ethos = Excellent
Pathos
Logos
Appeal to Emotions or
Feelings
Appeal to logic
(intelligence)
Ethos
Ethical Appeal of the
author or speaker
Emotional words
Statistics
Sincere words
Connotative meanings
Definitions
Appropriate vocabulary
Emotional examples
Quotations
Correct grammar
Figurative language
Informed Opinions
Appropriate language
Vivid descriptions
Analogies
Speaker seems
knowledgeable