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Ethos in Persuasive Writing Techniques

This document discusses persuasive writing techniques, including presenting evidence, examples, and balanced information to establish credibility. It describes the three modes of persuasion: appealing to ethics (ethos), emotions (pathos), and logic/reason (logos). Common logical fallacies to avoid are also outlined. The document provides examples and activities to help readers understand and apply persuasive writing skills.

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40 views6 pages

Ethos in Persuasive Writing Techniques

This document discusses persuasive writing techniques, including presenting evidence, examples, and balanced information to establish credibility. It describes the three modes of persuasion: appealing to ethics (ethos), emotions (pathos), and logic/reason (logos). Common logical fallacies to avoid are also outlined. The document provides examples and activities to help readers understand and apply persuasive writing skills.

Uploaded by

Liezel
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

READING & WRITING

LEARNING MODULE 7: Week 7


PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT IN WRITING 2
Persuasion in Writing
(Adapted from Quipper School)

Name: Grade & Section: Score____________


Teacher: Date:____________

Learning Competency

Compare and contrast patterns of written texts across disciplines

Objectives

Recognize persuasion as a pattern of development in writing;


Identify the different techniques of persuasive writing;
Describe the different modes of persuasion; and
Avoid common logical fallacies in persuasive writing.

Let’s Understand
Persuasive writing intends to convince readers to believe in an idea and
to do an action. Many writings such as critiques, reviews, reaction papers,
editorials, proposals, advertisements, and brochures use different ways of
persuasion to influence readers.

The following are three common techniques in persuasive writing:

1. Presenting strong evidence such as facts and statistics, statements of


expert authorities, and research findings establishes credibility. Readers will
more likely be convinced to side with the writer’s position or agree with his or
her opinion if it is backed up by verifiable evidence.

1
2. Concrete, relevant, and reasonable examples can enhance the writer’s idea or
opinion. They can be based on observations or the writer’s personal experience. I
think our employees should be required to undergo workplace sensitivity training.
Disrespecting coworkers based on appearance, gender, or beliefs can lead to the loss
of employees.

3. Accurate, current, and balanced information adds to the credibility of


persuasive writing. The writer does not only present evidence that favors his or her
ideas but he or she also acknowledges some evidence that opposes his or her own.
In the writing, though, his or her ideas would be sounder.
The modes of persuasion were introduced by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384
BCE–332 BCE) to teach his students how to convince their audience. Even now, the
modes are still being used. Ethos, pathos, and logos are the modes of persuasion
or ethical strategies to convince an audience of one’s credibility or character.

1. Ethos is the appeal to ethics. It focuses on using the credibility of the writer to
convince the audience. The writer’s expertise on his or her subject matter, level of
education, and profession can support such credibility. For instance, a physicist
writing about the Big Bang theory would have ethos, while a lawyer writing about
the same topic would not. However, one who is not an expert can still build
credibility by ensuring that his or her writing is well researched and that the appeals
to emotion or logic are used responsibly.
2. Pathos is the appeal to emotion. Human emotions such as sympathy, outrage,
and sadness can be used to motivate readers. Making use of these emotions can
get the audience to be emotionally invested in what the writer is saying. It is often
used in advertising, and the probable reason is that our emotions touch our very
core and appeal to our values. However, pathos is not objective; it is not
considered a legitimate form of argument in many fields of study.
3. Logos is the appeal to logic and reason. It aims to be factual in its approach.
In persuasive writing, facts are presented in a logical manner, avoiding fallacies
a unverified information. Also, the supporting points must be logical in nature.
Often, the consistent use of logos builds ethos

2
The following are six common logical fallacies one must avoid in persuasive writing:
1. Ad hominem – In this type of argument, the writer opposes the point made by
attacking the person who makes them. Instead of discussing the issue, the writer calls
the opponent's names.

2. Faulty cause and effect – Two events that happen sequentially are causally
related. This argument is also called post hoc, ergo propter hoc (“after this, therefore,
because of this”).

3. Either/Or reasoning – This type of reasoning provides the reader with two options
and does not recognize complexity. Often, those who use this in an argument
oversimplify the problem and only provide two solutions or reasons for a problem.

4. Hasty generalization – This is the generalization or conclusion drawn based on


little evidence or a piece of evidence that is not representative of the whole.

5. False analogy – To compare an issue, event, person, or object to another can be


useful, but the comparison can confuse or mislead the audience, too. There may be
more differences than similarities between the two ideas being compared, and one reason
may apply to one but not the other.
6. Circular reasoning – It states the very thesis as its proof. Too often, the supporting
details are merely rephrasing the statement.
Frequently Used Sources of Information in Persuasive Writing
1. Facts – These make an argument solid. They can be based on the findings of
experts and studies or one’s own observation, experiment, or personal experience.
2. Statistics – This source of evidence can in fact be very persuasive because numbers
do not lie. However, the numbers should be accurate, and the data should come from a
reliable source.
3. Judgment – This refers to what the writer assumes about his or her topic given the
facts. He or she may present facts first and then make judgments about those facts.

4. Testimony – This has two types, namely the account of an eyewitness and the
expert’s opinion. Both types are considered valid and can make an argument
convincing. The eyewitness account can provide important facts, while the judgment
of the expert can further strengthen the argument.

3
Let’s Apply

Fill in the blanks with the correct term that will complete the sentence.
1. Persuasive writing aims to convince people to believe in the writer’s idea
and to move them to do an ___________.
2. One example of persuasive writing that one can see on the streets is
.
3. When we give facts and statistics as examples, they add
to the writer.
4. The examples that we give to support our ideas can be taken from
observations or __________.
5. It is better that we not only prepare for our own arguments but also for
people’s opinions that might our own ideas.

Let’s Analyze

Read each of the following statements and identify whether it is an example of


ethos, pathos, or logos. Write the answers on your answer sheet.
1. Experts have tested the algorithms in a hundred different ways, and the math
continues to work.
2. Think of all the men who have fought and died just for the freedom of this country.
Now it is our turn to do the same. For God, country, and the future generation,
gentlemen!
3. During the past two years, demand for this product has been waning. This year’s
sales are dismal. It’s time for us to consider other options.
4. They have always opposed everything we’ve tirelessly worked to build, and they
have no care who gets hurt in the process. Make no mistake; they’re the enemy,
and they won’t stop until they get what they want.
5. My two decades of doing public service, my unwavering commitment to the people of
this community, and my willingness to foster cooperation with the opposition make
me the ideal candidate for your mayor.

4
Let’s Try
What source of information could be best used in each context of persuasion
below? Write the answer on your answer sheet.
1. You would like to persuade school authorities that your classmate did not
tamper with his exam score.
2. You would like to persuade your parents to send you to a particular
university abroad.
3. You would like to persuade your parents to let you undergo fitness training for
your health.
4. You need to persuade a community that the solution to their problem is your
project or program.

Let’s Create (Editorial Cartoon)

Goal
You would like to raise students’ awareness on the importance of voting
wisely in student elections.

Role
You are a concerned student who would like to create an ad (poster + flyer)
to raise awareness on wise voting.

Audience
You will be catering especially to students who will be voting in the next
student elections.

Situation
You are a student who aspires for productive and meaningful student
elections in your school. You would like to move students to vote wisely for
your next leaders.

5
Standards and Criteria for Success
Your project will be graded using the rubric below:

Beginning Developing Accomplished


Criteria Score
(0-12 points) (13-16 points) (17-20 points)
Content and
Task Fulfillment
(Contains all
features of a
Two or more One content All the required
persuasive
requirements were requirement was contents were
writing; fulfills
not met. not met. included.
all
the
requirements of
the task)
The ideas are
The ideas are not One idea is not
seamlessly
Organization connected to one connected to the
connected to
another. rest of the ideas.
one another.
Language
(spelling, There were more There were one to
There were no
mechanics, than two language two language
language errors.
grammar, and errors. errors.
language usage)
Modes and
Types of The work used only The work used at
The work did not
Persuasion one mode or least two modes
use any mode or
(effective use of technique of or techniques of
technique of
techniques and persuasion persuasion
persuasion.
modes of effectively. effectively.
persuasion)
Two or more
Logical Fallacies
points One point involved The work had no
(avoidance of
involved logical a logical fallacy. logical fallacies.
logical fallacies)
fallacies.
Score

Common questions

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Persuasive writing uses several key techniques to convince readers, including presenting strong evidence, offering concrete examples, and providing accurate information. These techniques are important because they establish the writer's credibility and make the argument more convincing. Strong evidence such as facts and statistics helps to support the writer's position and builds trust with the audience. Using concrete examples helps relate the argument to real-life scenarios, making it more relatable. Accurate and balanced information ensures that the argument is perceived as fair and unbiased, which enhances its persuasiveness .

Acknowledging opposing viewpoints in persuasive writing is significant because it demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic, thereby enhancing the writer's credibility and ethos. It shows that the writer has considered all aspects of the issue objectively, which makes their argument more balanced and reasonable. By addressing and countering opposing arguments, a writer can strengthen their own position and make it more compelling. This approach can also increase audience trust, as they perceive the argument to be well-rounded and fair .

A writer can build ethos without subject matter expertise by ensuring their writing is well-researched, logically structured, and balanced. Presenting well-supported arguments using credible evidence from recognized authorities can enhance a writer's credibility. Additionally, acknowledging opposing viewpoints respectfully while reinforcing their position helps establish fairness and reliability. Clarity, coherent organization, and the responsible use of emotional or logical appeals also contribute to building ethos by displaying careful and respectful communication .

Relying heavily on pathos in an argument can lead to an emotionally charged but potentially unbalanced or less rational presentation. Emotions can deeply engage an audience, but they do not offer objective support for claims, which is why pathos is not often regarded as a legitimate form of argument in academic disciplines. In contrast, logos relies on logical reasoning, providing factual support for claims. While logos builds a strong, rational argument, pathos engages the audience's values and beliefs, which can be compelling in contexts like advertising where emotional appeal is key .

The misuse of analogies can lead to faulty reasoning if the comparison drawn is not genuinely parallel or if the differences between the two compared entities outweigh the similarities. False analogies occur when the comparison might seem reasonable superficially but does not hold up under logical scrutiny. This can confuse or mislead the audience by implying that if two things are alike in one way, they are alike in other ways, which may not be true. By relying on poor analogies, the argument may become less credible and logically unsound .

Statistics can be a strength in persuasion because they provide hard evidence that can substantiate claims, lending credibility and an impression of objectivity to the argument. However, they can also be a potential weakness if the statistics are inaccurate, misleading, or lack proper context. Misuse or misinterpretation of data can lead to incorrect conclusions, diminishing the argument's validity. Moreover, if the source of statistics is not reliable, it can harm the writer's credibility and thus the persuasive effectiveness of the writing .

Using personal experience in persuasive writing has the advantage of making the argument relatable and personal, which can engage the audience's empathy and interest. It allows the writer to provide concrete examples that illustrate their point, enhancing the vividness and emotional connection of the argument. However, the limitations include potential bias and the lack of generalizability, as personal experiences may not be universally applicable or verifiable, which can weaken the objective strength of the argument .

Expert testimonies enhance the persuasive power of an argument by providing authoritative support that can validate the writer's claims and increase credibility. They provide specialized knowledge that can clarify complex issues, making the argument more convincing. Expert opinions are persuasive because they come from individuals with relevant expertise and experience, thereby reinforcing the logic of the argument and helping to establish ethos. This can be particularly impactful when the audience values the insights of recognized authorities .

Avoiding logical fallacies in persuasive writing is essential because they undermine the argument's credibility and can mislead the audience. Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that weaken the writer's position. Common examples include ad hominem attacks, which target the person rather than the argument; faulty cause and effect, which assume a causal relationship without evidence; and hasty generalization, which draws conclusions from insufficient data. Using logical fallacies can make arguments seem unconvincing and intellectually dishonest, damaging the writer's ethos and the effectiveness of the persuasion .

Ethos, pathos, and logos are three modes of persuasion that differ in their approach. Ethos appeals to ethics and relies on the credibility of the writer to persuade the audience. It emphasizes the writer's expertise and trustworthiness. Pathos appeals to emotion, leveraging human feelings such as sympathy and sadness to engage the audience emotionally. Logos appeals to logic and reason, using factual evidence and logical arguments to convince the audience. While ethos builds authority and credibility, pathos aims to create an emotional connection, and logos focuses on rational argumentation .

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