Persuasive Strategies
Claims and Counterclaims
• Claim: a statement that can be argued.
• Counterclaim: a claim made by someone
with an opposing opinion on an issue.
» Example Claim: The Bengals are the best
NFL team.
» Example Counterclaim: I disagree…The
Cowboys are the best NFL team.
Researching Evidence
• Using reliable research can help your
argument seem convincing.
• Remember that not every source is a
good source. The information should be
accurate and credible.
Persuasive Strategies
• Logos: identifies arguments or appeals to
logic or reason for or against an issue.
• Ethos: identifies arguments or appeals using
the moral or ethical qualifications of the
speaker for or against an issue.
• Pathos: identifies arguments or appeals to
emotions or feelings for or against an issue.
Logos
• Facts, numbers, and information can be
very convincing.
• Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30
grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.
• Example: “You have not purchased new clothes for
me in over a year and I have outgrown my clothes,
so you should take me shopping.”
Ethos
• If people believe and trust in you, you’re
more likely to persuade them.
• Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m
just like you.
• Example: “I do my assigned chores without
complaining and I always do extra chores without
prompting, so you should raise my allowance to $15
a week.”
Pathos
• Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry
can help your argument.
• Example: Your donation might just get this puppy
off the street and into a good home.
• Example: “You should buy me new clothes because
my clothes are so worn out that kids are making fun
of me at school.”
Logos, Ethos, Pathos Clip
What are your Issues?
• Each group of two is going to get three postits. On the first post-it, list an issue you
experience at home. On the second post-it,
list an issue you experience at school. On the
third post-it, list a political issue that effects
you and/or your family.
• Examples:
• Issues at home- curfew, chores, allowance
• Issues at school- technology, dress code
• Issues in politics- gas prices, war, healthcare
Post your Issues
• Stick each of the post-its in the appropriate
column on the board, and we will discuss as a
class.
Home
School
Political
Convince Them!
• Write a letter to your parent/guardian
trying to convince them to change a rule or
restriction. Make sure your letter includes a
claim and reasons.
• Be sure to include all three persuasive
strategies (logos, pathos, ethos) in your
letter.
• Example: You might ask them to extend your
curfew by one hour or increase your
allowance.