English Comp Lecture 3

How To Write In Logos/Pathos/Ethos

Logos

  • Use quotes from experts on the topic

  • Mention well-known theories or facts

  • Include reliable sources for data and

    • “Did you know recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours?”

    • “A 2023 report by the National Geographic Society found that over 2 million plastic bottles are sold every month.”

    • “Our school’s recycling program won a national award for reducing waste.”

Pathos

  • Use emotionally charged language and tone

  • Mention anecdotes and stores

  • Use vivid descriptions to paint a picture for your audience

  • Use figurative language eg. simile, metaphor, hyperbole, etc.

    • “Imagine walking past lonely animals every day in the shelter, their eyes filled with hope and longing for a loving home.”

    • “wouldn’t it be amazing to save a group of adorable panda cubs by supporting conservation efforts?”

    • “This new fruit juice isn’t just good; it’s like a party for your taste buds!”

Ethos

  • Use appropriate language, spelling, punctuation, and grammar, and build your credibility.

  • Mention references to credible sources

    • “As the student council president, I understand the importance of listening to everyone’s voice”

    • “According to the marine biologist at Monash University, using reusable water bottles keeps harmful plastic out of our oceans.”

How To Read An Argument

  • Identify the claim the text is making. Does the claim have a serious and arguable factual issue? (Not serious in tone, more weight of the claim).

  • Is the claim as clear and specific as possible?

  • Is the claim qualified? If so, how? (Is it limited enough, not trying to put everything in one paper)

Establish How the Claim is Supported

  • Is the evidence provided enough to persuade readers to believe the claim? If not, what additional evidence would help?

  • Does any of the evidence [not complete]

Acknowledging Counterarguments

  • The careful consideration of alternative views.

  • Make claims that explain the contexts surrounding those claims, defend the assumptions they’re based on, offer convincing evidence, and appeal to specific audiences.

Document Outside Sources of Information the Writer Cites

  • Document sources of quotations, paraphrases, summaries, etc.

Consider Context = What new thing will your perspective add? Who else cares about your topic? What conversations is the text part of? What terms does the writer use? What other writer sources does the writer cite?

Respect = When you encounter a different perspective, resist the tendency to be defensive or superior, and give others views a respectful hearing.