What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Ethos builds the speaker's credibility and authority so the audience trusts their argument

Pathos uses emotional appeals, personal stories, and vivid imagery to connect with the audience

Logos presents logical reasoning, evidence, and statistics to support the argument rationally

Rhetorical devices such as anaphora, tricolon, and rhetorical questions amplify persuasive impact

Key Vocabulary

Ethos

An appeal to the speaker's credibility, authority, or moral character to persuade the audience to trust them

Pathos

An emotional appeal that uses vivid language, personal stories, or imagery to connect with the audience's feelings

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses for emphasis and rhythm

Tricolon

A rhetorical device in which three parallel words, phrases, or clauses are used in succession for emphasis

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

A speaker begins three consecutive sentences with "We must act." This is an example of:

Tricolon Anaphora Ethos Logos

Question 2

A speaker cites a peer-reviewed study showing that 80% of students benefit from outdoor learning. This is primarily an appeal to:

Pathos Ethos Logos Anaphora

Question 3

Which sentence most effectively appeals to pathos?

Studies show that 1 in 4 children in Australia experience food insecurity. As a nutritionist with 20 years' experience, I can confirm this policy is effective. The policy has three clear benefits: cost efficiency, equity, and health outcomes. Imagine a child going to bed hungry tonight, unable to concentrate in class tomorrow.

Persuasive Speeches and Advocacy