✍🏽ap english language review

Fear appeal

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

A persuasive technique that uses fear or threat to motivate an audience; Curbelo argues this method is not always effective and can backfire.

AP course connection

Topic 9.2: 9.2 Crafting an argument through stylistic choices like word choice and description

Unit 9

"Fear appeal" also found in: