Informational Text: Central Idea and Rhetorical Appeals

Informational Text: Central Idea and Rhetorical Appeals

Central Idea (Thesis)

• The central idea, or thesis, is what the writer wants readers to understand.
• It is usually stated directly in informational texts.
• Sometimes, it is implied, and readers must use text clues to determine it.

Development of Central Idea

• Writers use evidence (reasons and information) to support and develop their central ideas.
• Organizational strategies and rhetorical appeals are used to communicate their ideas.

Rhetorical Appeals

• Rhetorical appeals are used to support the writer's central idea.

Logos

• The use of facts, quotations, and statistics as evidence to support a writer's central idea.

Ethos

• The use of the writer's authority as an expert on a subject to reinforce their central idea.

Pathos

• The use of nonfactual evidence (anecdotes, possible scenarios) to connect with readers' emotions.