1. Persuasive Writing
The Rhetorical Appeals

2. The art of persuasion Aristotle (384-322 BC)
Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher,
developed the theory of how arguments
are constructed that is still used today.
He said that the goal of persuasion is to…
Convince an audience that your point is valid
Or that your point is more valid than another’s
Aristotle ( BC)

3. Tools for Persuasion
Aristotle described three main tools for persuasion: LOGOS, PATHOS, and ETHOS.

4. DEFINITION: Logos
Logos means logic.
Facts
Numbers

5. EXAMPLE OF LOGOS
Pesticides contain chemicals, like arsenic, that destroy the nervous system.

6. Practice: Logos
Idea: Students should be allowed to use cell phones during school hours.
List specific evidence to support the idea:

7. DEFINITION: Pathos Pathos means emotion. Feelings/Emotions
Biases (prejudice or stereotypes)

8. EXAMPLE OF PATHOS
Knowing the warning signs of cancer could save you from suffering the loss of someone you love, like I did.

9. Practice: Pathos Idea: Students should be allowed to
use cell phones during school hours.
List specific emotional evidence to support the idea:

10. DEFINITION: Ethos Ethos means ethical or moral; doing the right thing.
Examples of others who have done the right thing
People who support this idea
You want to do the right thing don’t you?

11. EXAMPLE OF ETHOS
With your contribution to the ASPCA, you can help an animal in need.

12. Practice: Ethos Idea: Students should be allowed to
use cell phones during school hours.
What reasons could you give to convince someone that allowing cell phones in school is the right thing to do?

13. DEFINITION: Kairos Kairos means timeliness; this is the right moment
Now is the time!
For a limited time only!
Don’t wait!
This offer will not be repeated!
Time is running out!

14. Appeals are never used alone…
Good persuasive arguments always use all
the rhetorical appeals.
They are the puzzle pieces that form a
persuasive argument.