Rhetorical Writing - What is Logos, Pathos and Ethos?

Rhetorical Writing - What is Logos, Pathos and Ethos?

Your teacher, instructor or professor has probably asked you to write persuasively, take a stand on a specific topic, or have been asked to argue your claims in an essay.  Persuasive writing uses logic, emotion, and credibility to show that one idea, the one you’re defending, is the more legitimate answer or explanation.  This style of writing attempts to convince the reader to adopt a certain point of view or take a particular course of action.  In a persuasive essay, there are three methods that can be used to argue your point.  These methods are logos, pathos, and ethos. 



What is Logos? 

  • Definition: Logic 

  • Explanation: Logos refers to the logical argument in an essay; these facts appeal to the reader’s sense of logic and reasoning.  Connections are made between the writer’s ideas and the facts presented.  These facts can include scientific data, statistics, previous research findings, and citations and quotations from reputable sources.  To use “logos” in a persuasive essay, use direct quotes from scholarly or reputable sources, “if this…then that…” statements, and indisputable facts to support your claim.  Oftentimes, arguments using logos use numbers, i.e. statistics, charts, graphs, survey results, etc. Use words like “classifies”, “provides”, “includes”, and “contributes to” and “causes” when explaining your information in a logical manner. 


What is Pathos? 
  • Definition: Emotions

  • Explanation: When appealing to an audience’s emotions, you are using the persuasive technique called “pathos”.  This information purposely “strikes a cord” or evokes a particular emotion in your readers.  Some examples of emotions authors may attempt to evoke include sympathy, anger, frustration, and even amusement. When using pathos, you are attempting to “give a face” to the statistic or the problem; the author is attempting to “humanize” the problem or concern.  Use descriptive words and effective adjectives.  Also, words like “inspires”, “reminds”, “joins together” and “creates” when explaining your reasoning in a way that appeals to a reader’s emotions.


What is Ethos? 

  • Definition: Credibility, Expertise  

  • Explanation: When using ethos in an argumentative essay, the author must understand the information and be an “expert” in the subject area.  In an essay, one of the best ways to convey ethos is by citing credible sources correctly, choosing interesting and appropriate language, maintaining a professional and academic tone throughout your essay, and using correct grammar and syntax.  Use words like “demonstrates”, “reinforces”, “implies”, “establishes,” and “argues” when explaining your reasoning in a way that will appeal to your credibility throughout your essay.


Example Paragraph

Imagine this: a small dog sits in a dark, cold garage. His hair is matted and dirty; he is skinny and weak from going days without food. There is no water for him to drink, no person to give him love and no blanket to keep him warm at night.1 While this might be a hard scenario to imagine, it is not an uncommon one in America today. According to the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 1,000,000 animals are abused or die from abuse every year.2 As a veterinarian with 30 years of experience, I have seen how even one incident of abuse can affect an animal for the rest of its life.3 As a society, we need to be more aware of this terrible problem and address this issue before it gets worse.

1 Pathos: the author paints a vivid picture to evoke a feeling from the reader—sadness and pity for the abused animal.

2 Logos: the author uses a startling statistic to appeal to our intellect. Keep in mind that these three strategies can often overlap. This sentence qualifies as both Logos and Ethos because it cites a reputable organization, so we know the author is using credible sources.

3 Ethos: the author establishes their own credibility by stating their occupation and experience.


Paragraph Example Citation: 
St. Louis Community College. (n.d.). Pathos, logos, and Ethos. Pathos, Logos, and Ethos. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-

Video Citation:
Tolentino, Brian. “Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos, Pathos and Logos.” Tolentino Teaching, YouTube,  21 Jan. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Qco3ml8eQ.  


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