Rhetorical Appeals in AP English Language

Definition

Rhetorical appeals are persuasive strategies used by speakers or writers to influence an audience's thoughts or actions. They include ethos (appeal based on credibility), pathos (appeal based on emotions), and logos (appeal based on logic).

Related terms

Ethical Appeal: Ethical appeal focuses specifically on building trust and credibility with the audience through demonstrating moral character.

Emotional Appeal: Emotional appeal aims at evoking strong emotions in order to sway the audience's opinions or actions.

Logical Appeal: Logical appeal relies on presenting well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence and facts.