Ethos, Pathos, and Logos Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: SL.9-10.1

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

These are simple three different ways to appeal to your respective audience in order to persuade them to catch on to your way of thinking. In Greek times they referred to them as the three modes of rhetoric. They all take a slightly different avenue to push the audience towards siding with your thoughts. Ethos stresses a sense of authority over the audience. They focus on what we today would call a tried a true branding message which is all about reputation, virtue, and previous qualification. Pathos is an emotional driven form of persuasion where the author pushes for a great deal of empathy. Advertisers have long used this type of messaging to connect with donors for foundations of worthy causes such as rescuing animals or children's hospitals. Logos is more academic focused where the appeal is pushing towards the audience's logic. These messages are often accompanied with cold hard facts like data, graphs, or charts. This collection of worksheets explores all the different forms of persuasion that authors use and we center on which to use when in your own writing.

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos Worksheets To Print:

The Basics - Choose a word from the box to complete each sentence.

An Overview - Define each rhetorical device and provide an example of when you might use each.

Analyze - What do they all have in common and which is the one you lean towards.

Arguments in Advertising - Write down what your advertisement will say and draw a picture to show what kind of visual will accompany the words you choose. Then trade papers with another student.

Writing to Persuade - Choose something that you want or take a position on a situation you feel passionately about.

Pathos in the Media - The focus is on the quality in a story or argument that makes someone experience emotions, especially feelings of pity or sadness.

Rhetorical Devices - Choose one of the situations below and circle it. Explain how someone might decide to position your statement.

Using Logos - Choose something that you know a lot about and care passionately about. Take a position on that subject, imagine you are trying to convince a friend to agree with your position.

Using Pathos - People also use this technique in daily life to try to get others to do what they want them to do.

Using Ethos - You are using this approach when you write or say things that give you credibility in whatever area you are writing or speaking about.

Give Direct Examples - Write your own definition for each word using your own words. Write down an example of each concept.

Sway Them - Look at each situation and emotion below. How could you use what you have learned to make your argument in each situation?

Getting Emotional - What words could you use in that situation to evoke the emotion provided?

Less Sugar and Afterschool - You are trying to convince your friends to eat less added sugars.

Persuasive Writing Prompt - Should all processed foods and drinks be required to meet minimum nutritional requirements in order to be introduced in the market?

What Is The Significance Of Ethos, Pathos, And Logos?

How do you compel an audience to listen to your speech, buy a product after hearing your sales pitch, or be persuaded by your writing? Through the rhetorical triangle. The three components involved in this triangle are; ethos, pathos, and logos. Many years ago, Aristotle determined these components as the three pillars of persuasion.

 

What is Ethos?

 

Ethos is all about showing character and credibility on the subject matter. You need to make your audience believe that you have good character and can be trusted. Then, you need to build rapport and expertise on the subject, so your audience knows that and sees you as a respectable figure in the industry. It can be built on compassion, honesty, physical and emotional characteristics, and authority.

 

The Significance of Ethos

 

Through ethos, you can:

- You can persuade the audience even if your speech or writing isn't good.

- Increase chances to persuade the audience.

- The audience will trust you and require you to share something useful.

 

Examples of Ethos

 

- As an expert in the field, this treatment is the best course of action for the current situation.

- X is the #1 toothpaste recommended by dentists.

 

What is Pathos?

 

In pathos, the author uses emotions to persuade the audience. Pathos is Greek for suffering and experience, but the emotion used to connect and persuade the audience is not always sad. You can use joy, humor, and patriotism to evoke a response from the audience.

 

The Significance of Pathos

 

Through pathos, you can:

- The audience connects with you personally and accepts your requests.

- The audience understands your point of view and is willing to change their mindset.

 

Examples of Pathos

 

- A customer talks about his struggles with a problem that the audience can relate to, then shares a product or service that helped them.

- Brands use country's flag colors to evoke patriotism.

 

What is Logos?

 

Logos is the logic behind your argument. It correlates with ethos as it helps build up authority and expertise in a field. When you use logical components, like stats, facts, and figures to support your claim, you are knowledgeable in the field. Logos are also used to appeal to an audience's intelligence.

 

The Significance of Logos

 

Through logos, you can:

 

- You can be comprehensive and come up with an ending or solution that is plausible and the best course of action in a situation.

- You can use analogies and metaphors to explain your ideas.

- Be specific and use personal stories or "Pathos" to connect to the audience.

 

Examples of Logos

 

- 60% of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

- Doctors all over the world recommend this treatment.

 

Now that you know the significance of ethos, pathos, and logos, the three modes of persuasion are most effective when used simulteanously. By composing a speech or advertising that targets all sections of a rhetorical triangle, you can create a compelling argument or statement to persuade your audience. We hope this article helped!