Features and Appeals

Logos
Statistics: Statistics are numbers used to suggest factual information.
Factual Evidence: Factual evidence occurs when the author offers examples of something or provides proof.
Reasoning: Reasoning is the use of a logical progression of ideas to come to a conclusion.
Analogy: Analogy is used when the author makes an extended comparison between 2 things which are alike in
many respects to suggest that they may be alike in other respects.
Comparison: Comparison is when the author compares limited aspects of 2 or more things.
Challenging Assumptions: Challenging Assumptions occurs when the author wants to present a radical
argument, but in order to do so, old ideas must be removed first.
Hypotheticals: Hypotheticals are the weakest form of logical argument because they rely on imaginary
situations. However, in limited circumstances, they can form the base of a larger argument.
Ethos
Credibility of the Author: Authors establish their credibility through experience, education, past actions and
even just charisma.
Credibility of the Contributor: This is the same as credibility of the author except that the author is using
someone else’s credibility to build the argument. When this is referred to a appeal to authority it can become
a logical fallacy because we are merely trusting someone in authority.
Pathos
Diction (Word Choice): Diction is also referred to a word choice. English has a vast vocabulary and many words
have specific connotations in addition to their denotations. Those connotations carry emotional weight. For
Example, thin versus emaciated. Thin has a positive connotation (when speaking about people), but emaciated
has a negative connotation.
Syntax: Syntax is the structure of sentences. Certain sentences due to their constructions are inherently more
persuasive than others.
Concession/Refutation: Concession happens when the author concedes to the oppositions points and agrees
they are valid. Refutation is the anticipation of an attack and an explanation why the opposition’s point of
view is invalid. These strategies are persuasive because they create the sense that the author has considered
all sides of the issue and thus is giving an less biased point of view.
Anecdote: Anecdotes are short descriptions of events that are designed to set up a point or evoke a feeling in
the reader.
Rhetorical Questions: Rhetorical Questions are questions posed to the reader that have an obvious or
intended answer.
Appeal to Identity (We): Appeal to Identity can involve more than one rhetorical strategy, but at its heart it
creates a sense of belonging with the reader through appeal to experience, the use of collective pronouns (we,
us), the use of 2nd person (you), and flattery.
Literary Devices
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true,
but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.
Allusion: Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural,
literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.
Simile: a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as
Personification: Personification is when you give human qualities or abilities to an object or animal.
Hyperbole: exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to show ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings
that are different from their literal sense

Template
1) Introduction
a. Introduce the author’s central claim:
In [his/her] [article/speech/essay], [author] argues that [central idea from the prompt].
b. Preview the features you will discuss:
[author’s] use of X, Y, and Z in [his/her] [article/speech/essay] was especially effective in
establishing [his/her] point.
2) Body Paragraphs
a. A topic sentence to introduce the feature:
[To begin], [author] [makes use of] [feature] in building [his/her] argument.
b. A few sentences to describe the feature as it is in the passage:
In the [#] paragraph, the [author] states that…
[author] further states that…
c. A few sentences to analyze why the feature is effective or persuasive:
[author’s] use of [feature] supports [his/her] central claim because…
[feature] makes [author’s] argument more [effective/persuasive] because…
3) Conclusion
a. Restate the author’s main point in a conclusive way:
To conclude, [author] has indeed effectively established that [central idea].
b. Summarize key points from your body paragraphs:
[author’s] use of X, Y, and Z all came together in a way that communicated [his/her] central
point in a compelling manner.

Replacement Words
Says Shows Uses Transition Words
Argues that Reveals Utilizes Addition: furthermore, moreover, in conclusion
Suggests Indicates Employs Contrast: Although, however, despite, nevertheless
Maintains Illustrates Causation: Since, because, thus, consequently, therefore
Expresses
Asserts
Emphasizes
Underscores
 Your Facts Must Be Accurate…But Your Interpretation Doesn’t Have to Be
As long as you are convincing in your explanation and cite specific examples, you’ll be good.

A perfect 4 essay: is extremely clear is consistent, smooth, and easy to read has few errors is not repetitive in
content or language is sufficiently detailed (using evidence from the text) to fully support the writer’s thesis
demonstrates that you understand the text and the author’s claim(s)

Analysis: Ask yourself

1) What are the techniques the author used to persuade the reader of his claim?
2) Why did the author use them?
3) What effect does their use have on the reader?

Love on a Budget
Girl, you know I would do whatever it takes to make all your fantasies come true. I would cross a continent. I
would cross an ocean. I would even tunnel to the center of the Earth just so I could find that one perfect
gemstone, lobster, or ball of lava that would turn an ordinary night into an evening of ultimate perfection.

However, things are tight financially right now due to some unexpected expenses after I turned my
apartment’s color scheme from scarlet red to ivory white with pops of violet. I think we can both agree my
penthouse is seriously bumpin’. Yet the fact remains I don’t have as much liquid cash on hand as I would like.

I also made some poor investments.

This in no way means I will not please that booty. Instead, it means that there will have to be some regrettable
but necessary cutbacks to our evening. Do not believe for one second that you will not feel like a queen. You
will simply feel like a queen of a less prosperous country.

If anything, my desire is greater than ever before. If my love for you could be measured by the Richter scale,
the intensity of my affection would be off the charts, leveling the tri-state area to powder. The rescue teams
brought in to find the injured would be swallowed up by the Earth during the aftershocks. There would be no
survivors. This is how serious my love for you is.

Let me break down how this evening will go.

First, my normal gleaming-white limo and backup Humvee limo will not be showing up to pick you up. I can no
longer afford to keep them both on retainer, and my man at the garage says they are not available this week.
We will, instead, be driven to our destination in a 2017 four-door Cadillac, which, I was told, was cleaned very
recently so it will look and smell very nice.

Once I return to my seat after opening your door for you in a gentlemanly fashion, I will compliment you on
your face and hair. I will say something like, “Your face and hair look very fine tonight.” You will be able to tell
from the tone of my voice that this is true.
I will then reach into my cooler and hand you a chilled glass of cava. This is like champagne except it is from
Spain and not France. We are blessed to have three Spanish food and wine importers in our city, and this
vintage is the finest available. I went to all three.

Since the days are now long, I thought I would use this occasion to take you on a romantic picnic. I know the
most romantic spot this city has to offer. It may not be the finest and most expensive restaurant in the city,
but you will be able to take a picture of us at this spot and use the hashtag #MyManTreatsMeRight or
#SmooveNightOut or just simply #Bliss and mean it.

This spot is so good you will want to freak me wild right there.

This will be especially true as I offer you another glass of either cava or prosecco, which is from Italy but is also
sparkling and quite good. You know I do not mess with wine without bubbles.

I should point out that I will not have my finest crystal champagne flutes on hand as I am concerned that they
may be crushed by an unexpected fit of passion or stolen by raccoons with exquisite taste.

I will then take out the foods that will make up our meal. This will consist of a staggering array of cheeses,
crackers, and three varieties of grapes. I will also have a variety of fresh herbs, smoked salmon, and a jar of
something very closely resembling foie gras. This will also probably come from Spain or Italy.

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