Argument:
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
Informational Text
(nonfiction)
RI 7.8 I can trace and evaluate an
argument and specific claims in a text.
Ethos, Logos and Pathos
These appeals are prevalent in almost all arguments.
In approximately 300 B.C.
Aristotle, who was a famous
Greek philosopher, wrote a
book entitled, “The Art of
Rhetoric.” In his book,
Aristotle identified the three
methods of persuasion. He
called them ethos, pathos
and logos.
Journal – Who was Aristotle?
What is rhetoric?
Rhetoric: Using language
effectively to persuade,
inform, educate, or entertain
Journal - What is rhetoric?
Three Methods of Persuasion
Ethical Appeal (ethos)
. . . I and my arguments are trustworthy &
respectable.”
. . . it’s the respectable, moral thing to do.”
Logical Appeal (logos)
. . . I give you sound facts, figures, & arguments.”
. . . it’s the reasonable, logical thing to do.”
Emotional Appeal (pathos)
. . . you’ll feel good if you do.”
. . . you’ll feel bad if you don’t.”
Journal – What are the three appeals?
Logos appeals to your need for
PROOF (facts)
Facts and Figures
Journal – What is logos appeal?
LOGOS:
using
logic, numbers, facts,
and data to support
your argument
Journal – What is logos appeal?
LOGOS in everyday life
SCHOOL:
 to argue a grade:
refer (rationally) to the assignment
sheet, rubric, textbook, test question,
lecture notes, handouts
Journal – How can I use logos in my
everyday life?
Pathos appeals to your
EMOTIONS
Journal – How can pathos appeal to your emotions?
Pathos:
Appealing
to your audience’s
emotions
Journal – Describe what you see in each picture.
PATHOS in everyday life
SCHOOL:
 to argue not turning in your homework:
 appeal to your bad day
 death in the family
 the evil printer
 Internet would not work
Journal – How can you use pathos in your everyday life?
Ethos appeals to your sense of
TRUST
Journal – Describe what you see in each picture?
ETHOS: Using experts and important people
that seem trustworthy and believable
Making yourself look
trustworthy and believable.
Journal – What is ethos appeal?
ETHOS in everyday life
SCHOOL:
request for help or argue a grade
factors: attendance, participation,
preparedness, tone
Journal – How do you use ethos in your everyday life?
Task 1 Assessment
Answer on the answer sheet.
Which appeal do you feel is the most
effective: logos appeal, ethos appeal, or
pathos appeal? Explain why you think
that and support your answer with
examples.
Task 2 Assessment
Answer on the answer sheet.
Is it Ethos, Logos, Pathos?
Complete each sentence
below with the correct appeal
and explain why it is that
appeal.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
1. This is an example of _________
appeal because ___________________.
A child is shown
covered in bug bites
after using an inferior
bug spray.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
2. This is an example of _________
appeal because ___________________.
LeBron James
endorses Nike.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
3. This is an example of _________
appeal because ______________.
Sprite Zero is 100%
sugar-free.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
4. This is an example of _________
appeal because __________________.
A commercial shows
an image of a happy
couple riding in a
Corvette.
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
5. This is an example of _________
appeal because ___________________
Cardiologists recommend
Bayer more than any other
brand of aspirin.
Argument Organization
Argument – Logos, Ethos, Pathos
Persuasive Appeals:
Ethos - Establishes the writer/speaker as
a credible/(ethical or moral) person.
Pathos - Appeals to an audience’s
values and beliefs through
emotion/empathy.
Logos - The use of sound reasoning or
logic.
Argument – Claim, Support, &
Opposing Opinion
CLAIM: States the issue and takes a
position on a debatable topic (usually
takes the form of a THESIS STATEMENT
in a written argument)
SUPPORT: Facts, evidence, reasons,
examples put together w/ logical
reasoning and critical thinking
OPPOSING OPINION (COUNTERCLAIM):
Acknowledges the other side of the
argument.
Task 3 Assessment
(on last two slides)
Why is the organization of
an argument important when
trying to convince someone
of something?