Evoking Emotions

Worksheet Description

This Persuasive Writing worksheet explores the concept of ‘pathos,’ a rhetorical device used to appeal to an audience’s emotions. It explains the Greek origin of the term and its meaning, emphasizing how pathos can be used to elicit feelings such as pity or sadness to persuade others. The worksheet presents scenarios where the student must consider how to use pathos to persuade someone, specifically by evoking emotions like pity and guilt. For each situation, students are instructed to explain what they would say to effectively use pathos in their argument.

The worksheet aims to teach students how to use emotional appeal in their persuasive writing and speaking efforts. By assigning specific emotions to different persuasive contexts, it encourages students to think strategically about how emotional appeals can influence the decisions of others. The activity helps students develop the ability to construct arguments that resonate emotionally with their audience. Through this practice, students learn the power of pathos in rhetoric and gain insight into the ethical use of emotional manipulation in persuasion.