Types of Appeals

*Appeals: Different approaches a writer can take with his/her reasons and examples so as to appeal to his/her readers.

Logical Appeal (Logos): A point based on facts, representative examples, authority, & logic; appeals to one’s sense of logic

Ex: Telling the reader that a certain measure on the ballot will cost taxpayers X number of dollars.

Ethical Appeal (Ethos): A point based upon ethics & grounded in objectivity; appeals to one’s sense of honesty or fairness

Ex: Telling the reader that male and female workers should receive equal pay for equal work

Ex: Telling the reader that since a death row inmate took a life, his/her life should also be taken

Emotional Appeal (Pathos): Manipulates one’s emotions in order to get one to agree or to act

Ex: Telling the reader that we need Genetically Modified Foods because with them we could feed the world’s starving children

Ex: Showing the reader pictures of suffering animals in order to encourage him/her to become a vegetarian