Study Hall Composition: Understanding Rhetorical Appeals

Introduction

• The lecture discusses rhetorical appeals, their purpose, and strategies in writing.
• Focus on how understanding rhetorical appeals can enhance writing effectiveness.

Key Concepts

• Purpose vs. Performance

  • Purpose: What writing aims to achieve.
  • Performance: What the writing actually conveys.
  • Example: Shivering roommate conversation illustrating different purposes.

• Rhetorical Appeals: Strategies to make writing persuasive.

  • Three Types: Logos, Ethos, Pathos
  • Origin: Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Types of Rhetorical Appeals

1. Appeals to Logos (Logical Appeals)

   • Utilizes reasoning, facts, and evidence.
   • Common in academic and research writing.
   • Importance of data literacy to critically analyze facts and statistics.
   • Example: Gum manufacturers' claim "5 out of 5 dentists".

2. Appeals to Ethos (Credibility Appeals)

   • Relies on the credibility of the writer.
   • Trust based on expertise, experience.
   • Example: Social media influencers using their popularity for credibility.
   • Importance of scrutinizing the source's trustworthiness and expertise.

3. Appeals to Pathos (Emotional Appeals)

   • Leverages emotions and shared values.
   • Powerful but can mislead away from evidence-based decisions.
   • Example: Political ads using minimal statistics but high emotional content.

Strategic Use of Rhetorical Appeals

• Combining appeals for more effective persuasion.
• Critical analysis needed to identify how appeals are being used.
• Persuasion can be ethically used for good or bad ends.

Techniques for Critical Thinking

1. Presentation or Purpose

   • Evaluate if text aligns with the writer's purpose.

2. Careful There, Logos

   • Identify and assess logical appeals.
   • Combine logos with ethos and pathos for diverse appeal.

3. Be True to Your Audience

   • Tailor appeals based on audience preference.
   • Example: Scientists vs. general audience preferences.

Example Case Study: Omar's Cover Letter

• Omar uses appeals strategically in a job application letter.
  • Pathos: Praises company values and mission.
  • Ethos: Establishes credibility with past experiences.
  • Logos: Provides factual qualifications.
• Goal: Convince hiring manager at Botmoth.

Conclusion

• Importance of aligning rhetorical appeals with audience values and writing purpose.
• Encouragement to join future discussions on writing purposes and presentations.
• Produced by Arizona State University and Crash Course.