Rhetorical Appeals for a Mascot Vote

Start with Ethos, Pathos and Logos in Ads so students see the three appeals side by side. Then give one of the single appeal sheets before Balance All Three Appeals in a Speech. Use the answer keys to check labels.

Label each sentence of two mascot speeches by its appeal, then write a third speech for a school vote. Ethos persuades through trust in the speaker, pathos persuades through feelings, and logos persuades through facts and reasons. The directions on the page read: Read each speech. In the box next to each sentence, write the appeal it uses most, either Ethos, Pathos, or Logos. You will compare the speeches on page 2. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade opinion writing, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Ethos is persuasion through trust in the speaker, pathos is persuasion through feelings, and logos is persuasion through facts and reasons. Ethos, Pathos and Logos in Ads has students circle the main appeal in each ad.

Show the audience why they should trust you. Build Ethos to Recommend a Book asks students to say how they know the book and to copy one quote from an expert and one from a reader.

Pathos stirs feelings, such as a warm memory, while logos relies on numbers and clear reasoning. Use Pathos to Sell a Food Truck Idea has students list five emotional words, and Use Logos to Argue for a Film Club has them choose facts from a sample data box.