Persuasion In Advertising

Worksheet Description

This Persuasive Writing worksheet is themed around the use of ‘pathos’ in advertising, a technique that appeals to the audience’s emotions. It explains the concept of pathos, derived from the Greek word for suffering or experience, and connects it to the emotional pull used in commercials to engage viewers. The worksheet instructs students to watch television and identify a commercial that employs pathos to persuade consumers to buy a product or service, analyze the emotions it appeals to, and assess the effectiveness of this strategy.

The worksheet aims to teach students how emotions can be leveraged in persuasive communication, particularly in the context of advertising. It helps students understand the strategic use of emotional appeal to influence consumer behavior and decision-making. By identifying and analyzing pathos in real commercials, students practice critical thinking and media literacy skills. They learn to discern how advertisers craft messages to connect with viewers on an emotional level, fostering a deeper awareness of persuasive techniques in everyday media.