1. Persuasive Strategies
Ideas taken from
READ, WRITE, THINK.org

2. Logos: Logical thinking Make the reader THINK
Ask “How can I make the reader THINK that my argument is logical or wise?”
Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.
Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar.

3. Pathos – Emotions Make the reader FEEL
Ask: “How can I make my reader FEEL so that he / she will believe my argument or think it is important?
Specific examples or details of conditions are good Pathos.
Example: This puppy and the 2,243 homeless dogs like him suffer from hunger and cold.

4. Ethos – Ethical Make the reader trust.
Ask: How can I make the reader TRUST me, my information, and my sources so that they believe my argument?
Giving the source’ background and credentials and stating a personal connection are good ETHOS.
Example: According to the Center for Disease Control . .. OR
As a mom of a child born with a cleft palate,

5. Proposal: Kids should be allowed to eat in classes whenever they want.
The Art of Persuasion
Proposal: Kids should be allowed to eat in classes whenever they want.

6. Which of the following is the best LOGOS argument?
Most kids work better when they are not hungry. Studies show that schools that allow kids to eat in class do 29% better on tests.
Gertrude Poranger, head of the University of Minnesota’s Hunger Research department, notes that hunger causes the brain to malfunction.
Students are hungry in class. Surveys show that 79.4% of students are hungry and miserable during 4th hour.

7. Which of the following is the best PATHOS argument?
Kids are hungry and cannot pay attention in class. Test scores will go down and kids will get bad grades just because they are hungry.
A lack of food causes kids to be uncomfortable. Imagine sitting in class and your stomach gives a loud growl. It would be very embarrassing and kids would feel stupid. This happened to John Stoddard, a kid in 7th grade. He was so embarrassed that he couldn’t think in his classed the rest of the day.
Most kids are hungry even after lunch. 75% of kids don’t get enough to eat or just run out of time at lunch to finish.

8. Which of the following is the best ETHOS argument?
Stores will make more money because kids will need snacks. There is a 90% greater profit in gas stations near schools that allow snacks. It is good for the kid and for the economy.
Gertrude Poranger, head of the University of Minnesota’s Hunger Research department, notes that hunger causes the brain to malfunction.
Kids sneak food in class all the time. It is just the way things are.

9. Logos, Pathos, or Ethos?

10. Logos, Pathos, or Ethos?

11. Logos, Pathos, or Ethos?