Using
the
Rhetorical Triangle
To
Make an Argument!
Rhetoric is the art of using language to
communicate effectively.
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
Aristotle taught that a speaker's
ability to persuade is based on
how well the speaker appeals to
his or her audience in three
different areas: ethos (ethical
appeals), pathos (emotional
appeals), and logos (logical
appeals). These areas form
something that later
rhetoricians have called the
Rhetorical Triangle.
Ethos (ethics)
 Ethos appeals are appeals based on the character of the speaker. An ethos-driven document relies on the reputation of the author.
 One way to make a reader who holds an opposite point of view agree with you is to maintain integrity of character in your argument and be
respectful of differing points of view. You can also sway your reader by showing that you are relying on credible sources. If your reader
has an opposing point of view and sees that your argument is biased, your reader is not likely to listen. Use references written by experts
in the field and people who are not overly biased.
 Ethos in Latin means “credibility or integrity of the writer.”
 Write an example (use prompt 1 on the board):
Pathos (emotion)
 Pathos appeals are appeals based on emotion. Advertisements tend to be pathos-driven.
 Pathos requires using language effectively to sway your reader. Using anecdotes, powerful examples, and effective language should help
you with increasing the pathos of your appeal.
 Pathos in Latin means “emotional appeal of language.”
 Write an example (use prompt 2 on the board):
Logos (logic)
 Logos appeals are appeals based on logic or reason. Documents distributed by companies or corporations are logos-driven. Scholarly
documents are also often logos-driven.
 Organizing your ideas by using logic will add logos to your argument. Show your readers how if step 1 exists, then step 2 will follow, and
so on. Collectively the steps should allow you to reach a logical conclusion. Check to make sure that your argument is sound logically.
 Logos in Latin means “soundness of argument.”
 Write an example (use prompt 3 on the board):
How do ethos, pathos, and logos work together in an argument?
1. Look at the illustration of the rhetorical triangle on the other side of this page; your math teacher has a special name
for that kind of triangle, what is it?
2. What is the definition of this type of triangle?
3. Think about the definition of this type of triangle and the three components of rhetoric (ethos, pathos, and logos).
Based on your above definition, what can you say about each component? (In other words, which component is
most important?)
4. Therefore, awesome arguments will generally feature how many components of the rhetorical triangle?
5. Now pick your favorite prompt and write for me 3 paragraphs persuading me of your point of view. Each paragraph
should be dedicated to one appeal of the rhetorical triangle. Each paragraph must be 3 – 5 sentences long. Be
prepared to share!!!
Take this off when going to print student handout; here are the prompts:
1. Would you rather be exceptionally short or freakishly tall?
2. Would you rather be gossiped about all the time or never talked about at all?
3. Would you rather lose your arms or lose your legs?