Economic Development

Three Rhetorical Triangle of Critical Writing for Audience

Logos

Ethos ∆ Pathos

Logos: The appeal to logic; Greek for word

Basic Principles:

· A logical argument making a claim, supporting that claim with reasons, and backing up those reasons with scholarly evidence.

· This claim needs to be laid out clearly for the reader and should follow the conventions of the field in which you are writing.

Ethos: The appeal to credibility; Greek for Character

Basic Principles:

· Be knowledgeable about your issue

· Be fair and objective

· Build a bridge to your audience

Pathos: The appeal to beliefs and emotions; Greek for Suffering or Experience

Basic Principles:

· Use pathos to intensify the issue, not distract from it

· Use concrete language

· Use specific examples and evidence

Reference for more details:

Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. Ramage, J., Bean, J., and Johnson, J. (2000, 6th edition); Seattle University Press.