Expository

Writing
An Introduction

Compiled by
Shelia D. Sutton, MA, NBCT
 Ideas Borrowed From:

Writers 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 College
http://www.accd.edu/sac/english/mgarcia/wri
tfils/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 youve 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 Information
Expository 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 readers interest and identify the
thesis you plan to develop.
To get a readers 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

readers attention while writing!

Which one of these ways to catch a

readers attention is one youd 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 youve 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 Formulas
Process 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 peoples 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 ones ability to participate
in society, to provide for ones 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:
Claim
Evidence
Elaboration
 How 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; its 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.
Joes caf 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 Years
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.
Denvers 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:
Three cities have serious pollution problems.
In the winter I enjoy watching several high school
sports.
The new recruits learned four important
procedures.
When my family camps, we always stay at one of
our favorite four campgrounds.
Like most American cities, Los Angeles, is faced
with many 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 order Whenever When Even if
That As long as Even Because
If As As if Wherever
After Even though Whether As soon as
Since Although Until Though
Before Unless Where So that
While
 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
wonderful vacations, none was more fun and
more exciting than our camping trip to the
Grand Canyon.
Before you make the decision to light up a
cigarette, consider the problems caused by
smoking.
Even though bike helmets are sometimes
unfashionable and uncomfortable, all cyclists
should wear them.
If students use chemicals to do science
experiments, it is important that they learn
the 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 weve done so far.
 Types of Evidence
Used 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 authors 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 authors 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 authors

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.
 Elaboration
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, dont summarize

Dont 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 weve

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 dont 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 weve

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
weve learned about conclusions?

What questions do you still have about

any of the concepts weve 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 Third In the
Afterwards First of all meanwhile
At last Formerly Last
At the same time Immediately Lastly
Before before Meanwhile
Before this Immediately Next
Currently following Soon after
During Initially Previously
Eventually In the end Simultaneously
Finally In the future Subsequently
First In the Then
Second meantime
 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
Similarly In addition Although
And As well as Whereas
Both In contrast On the other
Neither While hand
Like But Another
Also Yet difference
Too However Just as
so
Unlike
Conversely
 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
Cant 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 Method
Subject 1: Macintosh Feature 1: Price
Feature 1: Price Subject 1: Macintosh
Feature 2: Availability Subject 2: PC
Feature 3: Quality Feature 2: Availability
Feature 4: Production Subject 1: Macintosh
Subject 2: Personal Subject 2: PC
Computer Feature 3: Quality
Feature 1: Price Subject 1: Macintosh
Feature 2: Availability Subject 2: PC
Feature 3: Quality Feature 4: Production
Feature 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 - Effect
B. 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 dont 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-Solution
Both 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 elses writing or

constructing your own essay, always ask yourself
these questions:

Who is the Speaker?

Who is the Audience or the authors intended audience?

How do I know who the audience is?

How has the audience influenced the speaker or

authors choice of writing strategies?
 Rhetorical Appeals
Used to Appeal to Your Audience
Logos: a deliberate appeal to the readers
sense of logic, need for factual proof or
reasonable sense.

Ethos: A presentation of the writers credibility

or a deliberate attack on the credibility of
another author. A conscientious appeal to the
readers appreciation of credentials and or
professional experience.

Pathos: A deliberate appeal to the readers

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

audiences 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 audiences 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 peoples 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 audiences 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?