Informational Text and Rhetorical Appeals

Development of Central Idea

An informational text has a central idea, or thesis, that the writer wants readers to understand.
The central idea is usually stated directly in an informational text.
Sometimes, however, the central idea is implied, or suggested.
In such cases, readers must use text clues to determine the central idea.
Writers use evidence—reasons and information—to support and develop their central ideas.
They also use an organizational strategy and rhetorical appeals to communicate their ideas.

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 his or her central idea.
Pathos: The use of nonfactual evidence, such as anecdotes and possible scenarios, to support the writer's central idea.

Dogs can't talk, but they have many ways of letting humans know what they need or want.
Dogs express suspicion, fear, pain, or happiness to humans by barking, growling, or whining.