Emotional Appeals

Worksheet Description

This persuasive writing worksheet introduces the concept of ‘pathos,’ which is an appeal to emotion in rhetoric and communication. It explains the term’s Greek origin and its implications for persuasive speech, which involves appealing to the audience’s emotions, such as pity or sadness. The worksheet presents a practical task for students: to choose one of two scenarios — either not wanting to do chores or wanting a new bike — and write a few sentences using pathos to convince a parent to agree with their perspective.

The worksheet is teaching students how to effectively use emotional appeals in their persuasive arguments. By focusing on pathos, it guides students to craft statements that touch on the emotions of the audience—in this case, a parent—to sway their opinion or decision-making. The examples provided are relatable scenarios, making it easier for students to empathize and conjure convincing arguments. This exercise helps students understand the power of emotional influence in persuasion and improves their ability to communicate their desires or viewpoints compellingly.