Expository WritingAn Introduction

Compiled by Shelia D. Sutton, MA,

NBCT

Ideas Borrowed From:

Writer’s Inc. by Sebranek, Kemper, and Meyer

ERWC course of study, California State University

Mark Keppel High School English Department Resource Manual for Successful Writing

Step Up to Writing by Aumen Maria Garcia at San Antonio Collegehttp://www.accd.edu/sac/english/mgarcia/writfils/mod.htm

Expected Outcomes This presentation will address the

following topics: The Modes of Discourse with particular

focus on Expository Writing General Information on Expository

Writing– The importance of structure

Writing Introductions, Body paragraphs Conclusions and Thesis statements

Using the Claim, Evidence and Elaboration format/structure in body paragraphs

– Ways to make claims– Types of Evidence– The Use of Rhetorical Appeals

Expected Outcomes, cont.

How to Write a Process Essay How to Write a Comparison Essay How to Write a Cause/Effect Essay How to Write a Definition Essay How to Write a Problem/Solution

Essay

Reflective Practice

Given what you’ve heard so far, what is it that you most hope to gain from this presentation on Expository Writing?

Have you heard the term Modes of Discourse? What do you think it means?

– Write 3 to 5 sentences or a bulleted list.

Modes of Discourse

Exposition Persuasion (Argument) Narration Description

This presentation will focus specifically on Expository Writing.

Expository Essay Categories

Essay to Explain a Process Essay of Comparison Cause/Effect Essay Essay of Definition Problem/Solution Essay

Metacognitive Reflection

Which of the types of Expository Writing have you done? Tell your neighbor.

What type(s) of Expository Writing would you like to understand better? Write it in your notes section.– Process– Comparison– Cause/Effect– Definition– Problem/Solution

General InformationExpository Writing

The expository essay is the basic form of writing used in most academic classes.

Expository essays inform, explain, examine, discuss, or illustrate.

Expository essays follow the thesis statement plus support structure.

The Importance of Structure

An expository essay should be tightly structured with

– an introductory paragraph (beginning) – several supporting/body paragraphs (middle)

– a concluding paragraph (end)

Metacognitive Reflection

Talk to Your Neighbor– What do you know now that you did not

know before we started this presentation?

– Tell your neighbor!– Now write it down on your packet in the

space for notes. This is called metacognitive reflection, “thinking about your thinking.” It makes knowledge stick to your brain like peanut butter sticks to bread!

Beginning -- Introduction

The opening paragraph should gain your reader’s interest and identify the thesis you plan to develop.

To get a reader’s interest, use one of the following methods:– Provide an interesting story about the

subject– Present a significant fact or statistic– Quote an expert on the subject– Define an important term

Metacognitive Reflection

Tell your neighbor how to get a reader’s attention while writing!

Which one of these ways to catch a reader’s attention is one you’d like to practice this summer? Tell your neighbor.

Now write it in your notes.

Characteristics of a Thesis Statement

It is a sentence. It names the topic of your paper and

contains an assumption about your topic -- in other words, you are saying something about the topic that is an opinion-based statement.

It is debatable -- it is not merely factual or obvious but requires convincing proof of its validity.

It is specific. It controls everything that goes into your

paper.

Metacognitive Reflection

What do you now know about thesis statements that you’ve never heard before? Tell your neighbor.

Write it in your notes section. What questions do you still have about

thesis statements? Ask your neighbor. Now, write those questions in your notes.

When you get the answer, go back and write the answer in your notes next to the question.

Sample Thesis FormulasProcess analysis

• OUTCOME involves ____, ____, and ____.Creating a fabulous meal involves planning, planning

and more planning!Compare/Contrast

• A look at _____(objects of comparison) in terms of _____(the points of comparison) shows that (general finding).

A look at the PC and the Mac in terms of functionality shows that the Mac is a superior computer.

• Looking at _____(object A) and _____(object b) shows that although they seem (similar/different), they are really quite (different/similar).

Looking at a PC and a Mac shows that although they seem quite similar, they are really quite different.

Sample Thesis Formulas

Cause/Effect• {Effect} happens as a result of {Cause}.Poverty happens as a result of lack of education.• {Effect} (verb) {Cause A, Cause B, and Cause C}.Lack of Education impacts people’s lifetime finances,

their career choices, and the overall quality of their lives.

• {Cause} brings about {Effect}.Lack of education brings about a nation of ill informed

citizens, many of whom are poor.• {Cause} (verb) {Effect A, Effect B, and Effect C}.Lack of education impacts one’s ability to participate in

society, to provide for one’s family, and to move up in the world.

Sample Thesis Formulas

Definition

_____ (term) is not ____ (surface meaning), but rather, it is ____ (class and distinguishing characteristics).

Joy is not about being happy, but rather, it is about being glad to be with someone no matter what emotional state they are in.

Reflective Practice

What do you now know about Introductions (beginnings) that you did not know before?

What do you now understand about thesis statements that you did not understand before?

What do you still need help understanding? What questions do you have?

Middle -- Body

The supporting paragraphs present the main points or reasons supporting your thesis. They are the heart of the essay.

Structure of the supporting paragraphs should include:ClaimClaimEvidenceEvidenceElaborationElaboration

How to make a ClaimHow to make a Claim

A claim is the topic sentence.– You can make a claim by beginning each

paragraph in one of the following ways: Using a quotation Semicolon Claim A Rhetorical question A List of Phrases A List of Words To, Plus a Verb However statements Power (number) Statements Occasion/Position Statements

– (see “Topic Sentence” handout for further explanations)

Using a Quotation

• Although I usually appreciate the advice I receive from my grandmother, I wish that she would follow the advise of Horace: “Whatever advice you give, be short.”

• If you are tempted to give your best friend advice, at least be aware of the proverb that says, “Never give advice in a crowd.”

• When I visited my relatives in Michigan, I learned very quickly that the old German proverb, “Never give advice unless asked,” is true.

Semicolon Claim Sentence

The football team deserves the state championship; the players and the coach are talented and dedicated.

Buying a car is exciting; it’s also stressful.

Reflective Practice

Write your own example of a claim sentence using either a quotation or the semicolon claim structure.

A Rhetorical Question

What is your school doing to improve test scores? Our school has purchased an exciting new literacy program.

How are churches and synagogues meeting the needs of teenagers? In our city, they provide places to gather, help with homework, and scholarships for summer camp.

A List of Phrases

My grandparents prefer to vacation in Mexico, in the Northwest, and in the Bajamas.

Problems with the new school include: poor ventilation, small classrooms, inadequate lighting, limited parking.

The Smiths love their new home but are having trouble with the garage door and with the new sprinkler system.

A List of Words

All college students need money, friends, and encouragement.

Joe’s café offers the best in service, food, and atmosphere.

When I set out to buy my new car, I looked for a vehicle that was reliable, safe, and economical.

Reflective Practice

Write your own example of a claim using one of the following:– A Rhetorical question (remember that a

rhetorical in this case does require your response -- look back at the examples).

– A List of Phrases– A List of Words

To, Plus a Verb

To win at chess, players need to master three skills.

To impress her guests at our New Year’s dinner, my aunt created the most incredible culinary surprises.

To succeed in business a person must establish clear but realistic goals.

To keep in contact with friends and family, many teens invest in pagers.

However statements The new rules for the school cafeteria

seemed unfair to the students; however, the rules have made the cafeteria a better place to eat lunch.

My father is very strict; however, he has good reasons for all of his rules.

Denver’s new Light Rail has helped the parking and traffic congestion in downtown Denver; however, it has also caused problems for commuters.

– Conjunctive adverbs include: in fact, nevertheless, as a result, next, still, meanwhile, furthermore, otherwise, instead, consequently, likewise, and therefore.

Power (Number) Statements Helpful Number Words: two, three, four,

several, many, some, a few, numerous, a couple of, a number of, a myriad, various, plenty of

Examples: – ThreeThree cities have serious pollution problems.– In the winter I enjoy watching severalseveral high school

sports.– The new recruits learned fourfour important

procedures.– When my family camps, we always stay at one of

our favorite fourfour campgrounds.– Like most American cities, Los Angeles, is faced

with manymany problems including homelessness, gang violence, and unemployment.

Reflective Practice

Write your own example of a claim sentence using one of the following:

– To Plus a Verb– However statement– Power (Number) statement

Occasion/Position Statements An Occasion/Position Statement is a

complex sentence and begins with one of these words or phrases:

In orderThatIf AfterSinceBeforeWhile

WheneverAs long asAsEven thoughAlthoughUnless

When EvenAs ifWhetherUntilWhere

Even ifBecauseWhereverAs soon asThoughSo that

The Occasion

Is the first part of the sentence Introduces your reason for writing Can be any event, problem, idea,

solution, or circumstance that gives you a reason to write

Is the dependent clause in the complex sentence

The Position

Is the second part of the sentence States what you plan to prove or

explain in your paragraph Is the independent clause in the

complex sentence

Examples of Position Statements Although my family and I have taken many Although my family and I have taken many

wonderful vacations, wonderful vacations, none was more fun and none was more fun and more exciting than our camping trip to the more exciting than our camping trip to the Grand Canyon.Grand Canyon.

Before you make the decision to light up a Before you make the decision to light up a cigarette, cigarette, consider the problems caused by consider the problems caused by smoking.smoking.

Even though bike helmets are sometimes Even though bike helmets are sometimes unfashionable and uncomfortable, unfashionable and uncomfortable, all cyclists all cyclists should wear them.should wear them.

If students use chemicals to do science If students use chemicals to do science experiments, experiments, it is important that they learn it is important that they learn the proper way to dispose of themthe proper way to dispose of them..

Reflective Practice

Write two examples of your own Occasion/Position statements.

– Make sure that the first part of your sentence includes the occasion.

– Make sure that the second part of your sentence includes the position.

More Reflective Practice

Talk to your neighbor

– Tell your neighbor two things that you now know how to do that you did not know how to do before.

– Ask your neighbor any questions you have about what we’ve done so far.

Types of Evidence Types of Evidence Used to Support a ClaimUsed to Support a Claim

Factual Example (FE) Expert Testimony (ET) Statistic (S) Personal/Anecdotal Experience (PE

or AE) Commonly Held Assumption/Belief

(A/B) Author Opinion (AO)

Factual Example

An example presented as a reliable “fact” to support the author’s claim, although there is no source offered to prove its truth.

Expert Testimony (ET)

Either a quotation or a summary from an individual person or professional agency with – Expertise– Experience– Knowledge of the topic.

Statistic (S)

Evidence that cites specific numbers/percentages/dates. This evidence may or may not be a part of expert testimony.

Personal/Anecdotal Experience (PE) or (AE)

A story from the author’s personal history or observations used in support of the main idea.

Commonly Held Assumption/Belief (A/B)

An inclusive statement presented about human nature or human behavior as if all readers would be in agreement with the author.

Author Opinion (AO)

A statement regarding the author’s personal beliefs without proof.

Reflective Practice

What is the purpose of using evidence in your writing?

Name 3 types of evidence you can use.

List any questions you still have that you would like addressed.

ElaborationElaboration

Elaboration is your commentary on how the evidence supports the claim.

Your elaboration should leave the reader thinking about and contemplating the claim you made in the paragraph.

Reflective Practice Talk to your neighbor.

– Explain to them what is meant by claim, evidence, and elaboration.

– Then have them explain it back to you.

Consider – What part of the essay contains the claim,

evidence, elaboration structure.– What types of evidence can be used to support a

claim.– What is the function of elaboration? What does it

mean to elaborate on your claims and evidence?

End -- Conclusion

Conclusions are often the most difficult part of an essay to write, and many writers feel that they have nothing left to say after having written the paper.

A writer needs to keep in mind that the conclusion is often what a reader remembers best.

Your conclusion should be the best part of your paper.

A Conclusion Should:

Stress the importance of the thesis statement.

Give the essay a sense of completeness.

Leave a final impression on the reader.

Reflective Practice

Why are conclusions important?

– What is the purpose of a conclusion?

– What should we do for the reader in a conclusion?

Suggestions for Concluding Your Essay

Answer the question: So What?

– Show your readers why this paper is/was important.

– Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful.

Suggestions, cont.

Synthesize, don’t summarize

– Don’t simply repeat things that were in your paper.

– Show them how the points in you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together.

Suggestions, cont.

Redirect your readers

– Give your readers something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the “real” world.

– Your conclusion should go from specific to general.

– Think globally.

Reflective Practice

Talk to your neighbor

– Discuss the three strategies we’ve discussed so far for writing a good, solid conclusion.

– What do you know now that you did not know about writing a conclusion?

Suggestions, cont.

Create a new meaning– You don’t have to give new information

to create a new meaning.

– By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture.

– Often the sum of the paper is worth more than its parts.

Strategies for Concluding Your Essay

Echoing the introduction:

– Echoing the introduction can be a good strategy if it is meant to bring the reader full circle.

– If you begin by describing a scenario, you can end with the same scenario as proof that your essay was helpful in creating a new understanding.

Strategies cont.

Challenging the reader:

– By issuing a challenge to your readers, you are helping them to redirect the information in the paper, and they may apply it to their own lives.

Reflective Practice

Talk to your neighbor

– Discuss the 3 new strategies we’ve learned about writing a good, solid conclusion.

– What questions do you have about writing a conclusion? Ask your neighbor.

Strategies, cont.

Looking to the future:

– Looking to the future can emphasize the importance of your paper or redirect the readers’ thought process.

– It may help them apply the new information to their lives or to see things more globally.

Suggestions, cont.

Posing Questions:

– Posing questions, either to your readers or in general, may help your readers gain a new perspective on the topic, which they may not have held before reading your conclusion.

– It may also bring your main ideas together to create a new meaning.

Reflective Practice

Write a brief reflection about what you now understand about writing a good conclusion.

What have you struggled with (in the past) when writing a conclusion that you now think that you can do because of what we’ve learned about conclusions?

What questions do you still have about any of the concepts we’ve discussed so far?

Essay to Explain a Process What is a process analysis?

– It is the method of development in which the writer explains step by step how to do something or tells how something works.

It consists of a written series of actions or stages that proceed one right after the other in a required, definite order and yield a predictable product.

Because the sequence is essential to producing the result, the information in process writing is organized with time transitions (see handout).

It is different from narration (which also uses time transitions) in that a narrative or story cannot be duplicated. It tells how something happened one time.

A process explains steps that should happen in essentially the same way every time in order to achieve the same result, which is its purpose.

Why do Writers use Process Analysis?

Directional process analysis: – To give instructions that a reader is

expected to perform and that lead to the same result every time.

Informational process analysis:– To explain a cycle that readers can

understand, but are not expected to perform.

Reflective Practice

What do you understand now about writing a Process Essay that you did not understand before we started discussing it?

– Consider what a Process Essay is.

– Consider the purpose for writing one.

How can a Writer tell a Process Essay from other

forms of Exposition? Look for a product or a predictable

outcome to which the text leads every time.

Look for a series of steps and stages that result in being able to do something or relate how something works.

Look for time transitions

How does a Writer Compose a Process Analysis?

Outline the steps of the process. Write each step as one clear action. Make sure all of the major steps are there. Make sure all of the minor steps are there. Make sure the central, main step is there. Make sure all of the steps are in the correct order. Explain the reasons for steps whose purpose is not

clear. Define all technical terms briefly. Describe special equipment. Use time order transitions. Test the process -- have someone read and perform

the process, and then discuss how the paper could be improved.

Reflective Practice

Talk to your neighbor.

– Discuss the steps for writing a Process Essay.

– What NEEDS to be included in your writing?

Thesis Pattern for a Process Essay

OUTCOME involves _______, ______, and ________.

OUTCOME involves _____ and ______.

OUTCOME involves _______.

Questions to Consider When Writing a Process Essay

What process are you trying to explain? Why is it important? Who or what does this process affect? Are there different ways of doing the process?

– If so, what are they? Who are the readers? What knowledge do they need to understand this process? What skills/equipment are needed for this? How long will this process take? Is the outcome always the same? How many steps are in the process? Why is each step important? What difficulties are involved in each step? How can they be overcome? Do any cautions need to be given? Does the process have definitions that need to be clarified? Are there other processes that are similar and could help

illustrate the process that you are writing about?

Time Transitions for Process Writing

•After a few hours•Afterwards

•At last •At the same time

•Before•Before this•Currently

•During•Eventually

•Finally•First

•Second

•Third•First of all•Formerly

•Immediately before

•Immediately following•Initially

•In the end•In the future

•In the meantime

•In the meanwhile

•Last•Lastly

•Meanwhile•Next

•Soon after•Previously

•Simultaneously•Subsequently

•Then

Reflective Process

Why are these questions important to consider when writing a Process Essay?

– How will they help guide your writing?

Why are these transitions important for process writing?

– How do they help guide your reader?

Reflective Process

What do you now understand about Process Writing that you did not know before?

What do you still need to know before you begin writing?

Essay of Comparison

What is comparison?

– The method of development in which the writer examines the similarities and/or differences between persons, objects, or ideas to support a point.

– A way of thinking that we use unconsciously to make decisions

Why Do Writers Use Comparison?

To show that things which appear similar are really different

To show that things which appear different are really similar

To evaluate

To explain the unfamiliar in terms of the familiar

What are the Structural Patterns for a Comparison?

Point by Point

Block

How Can Readers Recognize Comparison When They See it?

Look for objects being compared

Identify the points of comparison

Find the purpose for the comparison

Discern the structural pattern

Look for these transitions:

Transitions Used in Comparison Writing

SimilarlyAndBothNeitherLikeAlsoToo

In additionAs well asIn contrastWhileBut YetHowever

AlthoughWhereasOn the other handAnother differenceJust as … so…UnlikeConversely

Reflective Practice

What is Comparison writing?

What is the purpose of Comparison Writing?

How does Comparison writing help the reader?

How Does a Writer Compose a Comparison Essay?

Observe people and life and cultivate the habit of looking for fruitful comparisons, those that fulfill the purposes discussed on the “Why do Writers Use Comparison?” slide.

Be sure that objects are in the same class so that there is a clear basis for the comparison. – The academic comparison must be

fair– One does not compare apples to

oranges.

What to Consider When Comparing

Choose two similar items that can be logically compared or contrasted. There must be a logical connection between the subjects/objects of comparison.

Decide the primary purpose of your essay– To show similarities?– To show differences?– To show both?

Determine your audience -- why do they need to know/want to know?

Determine your points of comparison– Can’t say one thing comes in three colors, while the

other cheaper. Your points of comparison must be supported

with examples.

How Does a Writer Compose a Comparison Essay?

List the points of comparison down the left side on a chart.

List the objects of comparison along the top.

Fill in the chart.

MacIntosh Personal Computer (PC)

Price

Availability

Quality

Production

How Does a Writer Compose a Comparison Essay?

Decide whether a block or a point by point organization works best for the purpose selected.

Block Method Point by Point MethodSubject 1: Macintosh Feature 1: Price Feature 2: Availability Feature 3: Quality Feature 4: ProductionSubject 2: Personal Computer Feature 1: Price Feature 2: Availability Feature 3: Quality Feature 4: Production

Feature 1: Price Subject 1: Macintosh Subject 2: PCFeature 2: Availability Subject 1: Macintosh Subject 2: PCFeature 3: Quality Subject 1: Macintosh Subject 2: PCFeature 4: Production Subject 1: Macintosh Subject 2: PC

Reflective Practice

What is the block method?

What is the point by point method?

How do you decide which to use for the benefit of your reader?

Thesis Pattern(s) for a Comparison Essay

A look at ______ (object of comparison) in terms of _____(the points of comparison) shows that _____ (general finding).

Looking at _____(Object A) and ____ (Object B) shows that although they seem _______(similar/different), they are really ____(different/similar).

How Does a Writer Compose a Comparison Essay?

Finally,

– Make sure that you explain what one learns from making the comparison you are making in your essay.

Cause/Effect Essay

What is cause/effect?

– The method of development in which the writer analyzes the reason(s) for an action, event, or decision, or analyzes resulting consequences to support a point.

Why Do Writers Use Cause and Effect?

To discover order in a reality that is in apparent chaos.

To inform.

To speculate.

To change behavior.

Reflective Practice

What do you understand now about writing a Cause/Effect Essay that you did not understand before we started discussing it?

– Consider what a Cause/Effect Essay is.

– Consider the purpose for writing one.

How Can a Writer Recognize Cause/Effect When They See It?

Look for the status of an object or situation to change as a result of something else. A. Indicator words are these and their various forms:– As a result - Because of– The reason for - Consequence– Decrease - Influence– Change - Why– Cause - EffectB. Ask whether there is a cause or effect which

dominates.C. Look for the structure. Possibilities:

- The cause(s) comes first, then the effect(s).- The effect(s) comes first, then the cause(s).- The writer traces a complex causal chain.

How Does a Writer Compose a Cause/Effect Essay?

Choose a manageable subject that a specific group of people needs information on.

Decide on a thesis and state it in one of the prescribed patterns below.

Compose the examples and organize them with transitions to support each point.

Make sure you don’t oversimplify the subject/topic.

Make sure your argument makes sense. Make sure you neither overstate or

understate the position.

Reflective Practice

Talk to Your Neighbor

– What are some issues/topics you could write about using the Cause/Effect Essay structure?

– Come up with at least three. Do this together!

Thesis Pattern for a Cause/Effect Essay

Cause/Effect• {Effect} happens as a result of {Cause}.• {Effect} (verb) {Cause A, Cause B, and

Cause C}.• {Cause} brings about {Effect}.• {Cause} (verb) {Effect A, Effect B, and

Effect C}.

Possible Topics for Cause/Effect Writing

Changes in your neighborhood or home town over time

The current popularity of a particular trend/fad/fashion, etc.

The need to conform The disintegration of a family Road rage Violence in schools Stress Your mood Global warming

Problem/Solution Essay

What is a Problem/Solution Essay?

– It is the method of development that identifies a problem, examines the problem, and then offers a solution to the problem.

– Often this type of writing is utilized to identify and offer a solution for a conflict that exists between characters or to analyze and solve a problem within a community or in global society.

Why do Writers Use Problem/Solution Writing?

• To clearly identify a problem in order to assist the reader in understanding the matters involved.

• In addition, the writer should analyze the causes and effects of the problem and then offer the possible solutions.

• The writer should also integrate quotations, facts, and statistics in their essay.

• The writer should also be aware of audience and purpose.

Patterns for Problem/Solution Writing

The problem and solution pattern reflects a form of critical thinking that tends to be more argumentative and evaluative.

The most common forms of this pattern are:– Problem-Process-Solution– Problem-Cause-SolutionBoth patterns first describe the problem and then

proceed through diagnosis and analysis to propose a solution.

Reflective Practice

What do you understand now about writing a Problem/Solution Essay that you did not understand before we started discussing it?

Consider what a Problem/Solution Essay is.

Consider the purpose for writing one.

How Does a Writer Compose a Problem/Solution Essay?

First of all, study the problem carefully and note the possible solutions.

Start your essay with a general introduction (background): This can be one or two sentences, THEN identify the problem.

Next, give reasons (causes) for the problem(s). Use expressions like:– “One of the main reasons for this problem…”

– “An additional problem is…”– “Another issue is…”

Now deal with the possible solutions. Use expressions like:– “One solution…”– “Another possibility…”– “Also…”

In your conclusion evaluate the possible solutions, and make an overall comment. (Use the strategies for writing a conclusion to impact your reader.)

Framework for Problem/Solution Writing

Introduction– Create interest– Establish the problem– Include a clear thesis statement

Body– Present an expanded description of the problem– Discuss the solutions in detail

Conclusion– Restate the problem– Summarize the solutions– Provide an outlook for the future

Reflective Practice Talk to your neighbor:

– What are some problems you could write about using the Problem/Solution Essay format?

– Come up with at least 3 topics. Why would these topics be interesting/informative for the reader/audience? Discuss together.

Rhetorical Appeals Used to Appeal to Your Audience

borrowed from handout created by Susan Sanchez

When analyzing someone else’s writing or constructing your own essay, always ask yourself these questions:

– Who is the Speaker?

– Who is the Audience or the author’s intended audience?

– How do I know who the audience is?

– How has the audience influenced the speaker or author’s choice of writing strategies?

Rhetorical Appeals Used to Appeal to Your Audience

Logos: a deliberate appeal to the reader’s sense of logic, need for factual proof or reasonable sense.

Ethos: A presentation of the writer’s credibility or a deliberate attack on the credibility of another author. A conscientious appeal to the reader’s appreciation of credentials and or professional experience.

Pathos: A deliberate appeal to the reader’s emotions. Common emotions appealed to by writers include: pity, sympathy, guilt, compassion, love, etc.

Appealing to your Audience Pathos: Emotional

– Arguments from the heart are designed to appeal to the audience’s emotions and feelings.

– Emotions can direct people in powerful ways to think

more carefully about what they do.

– Always ask:

How will I appeal to the audience’s emotions? Why? Name the emotions being appealed to. How will I evoke this (these) emotions in the audience

using writing?

Appealing to Your Audience

Pathos: Emotional appeals are often just examples--ones chosen to awaken specific feelings in an audience.

Although frequently abused, the emotional appeal is a legitimate aspect of argument, for speakers and authors want their audience to care about the issues they address.

Appealing to Your Audience Pathos

– Techniques that are used in Emotional Appeal

Moving stories and anecdotes that prove your point

Using emotional language or catchy words to appeal to people’s values or guilty consciences or vivid imagination

Slanting is omitting or not using information that may conflict with or weaken your claims.

Predicting extreme outcomes of events/dire predication in order to create a sense of urgency.

Specific examples

Appealing to Your Audience

Logos: Logical– Loosely defined, logos refers to the use of logic,

reasons, facts, statistics, data, and numbers.

– Logical appeals are aimed at the mind of the audience, their thinking side.

– Very often, logos seems tangible and touchable.

– When a writer uses logical appeals, he or she will avoid inflammatory language, and the writer will carefully connect its reasons to supporting evidence.

Appealing to Your Audience Logos

– Techniques that are used in Logical Appeal Logical reasons -- why your audience should believe you.

Evidence that proves or explains your reason.

Facts -- using information that can be checked by testing, observing firsthand, or reading reference materials to support your claim.

Statistics -- percentages, numbers, and charts to highlight significant data.

Expert Opinion -- statements by people who are recognized as authorities on the subject.

Examples -- giving examples that support each reason.

Use of cause/effect, compare/contrast, and analogy

Appealing to Your Audience Ethos: Ethical

– Ethical appeals depend on the credibility or training of the author.

– Audiences tend to believe writers who seem honest, wise, and trustworthy.

– A writer exerts ethical appeal when the language itself impresses the audience that the speaker is a person of intelligence, high moral character and good will.

– A person wholly unknown to an audience can by words alone win that audience’s trust and approval.

– Aristotle emphasized the importance upon the audience that the speaker is a person of good sense and high moral character.

Reflective Practice

Talk to your neighbor– What are the rhetorical appeals?

– How might you use them in your problem/solution writing?

– What impact do these appeals have on your audience?