Question

persuasive language lets focus on logos logos is an appeal to logic; it is a means of convincing the audience through thought and reason. examples: - i havent eaten meat for 8 years, and im fit and healthy; you cant argue that vegetarianism isnt a healthy option. - we have conducted the experiment 57 times and we get the same results every single time. - that is not my wallet. my wallet has a tear in it. this wallet has no tear in it. therefore, it cannot be mine. how can you incorporate logos? - you can use research and statistics to back up your arguments. (87% of students benefit from textbooks, etc.) - you can use logical processes to explain your point. (if you dont want to get cavities, then you should brush your teeth.) - you must give convincing, solid evidence. (if i can show you that this car saves you money and improves your life, will you buy it from me?) why use logos? if you can present a logical, rational argument to your audience, which engages their intellect and sense of reason, they are more likely to be persuaded. that is what logos is being used effectively. task one: for each of the following, explain whether or not you think logos is being used effectively in the reasoning. first, is it an effective use of logos? if not, explain why. example: i need new jeans. everyone in my class has new jeans. first, is it an effective use of logos? no. explanation: first, the reasoning is not logical and convincing. just because everyone has new jeans doesnt logically follow that the speaker needs them. 1. all men and women will die. you are a man. therefore, you will die one day. 2. everyone has children. therefore, everyone needs to think about the schooling of his or her children. 3. you dont need to jump in front of a train to know its a bad idea so why do you need to try drugs to know theyre damaging? 4. cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. so why start smoking? 5. every morning the rooster crows, then the sun rises. therefore the rooster causes the sun to rise. task two: for each of the following scenarios, write your own persuasive sentences using logos: 1. you are trying to persuade your brother to stop eating chocolate. 2. you are attempting to convince your class that they shouldnt drink and drive. 3. you are trying to persuade your audience that they should exercise more often.

Explanation:

Task One evaluates effective use of logos (logical reasoning/evidence):

1. Effective: Uses general premise (humans die) to logically conclude individual mortality.
2. Not effective: Premise ("everyone has children") is false, invalidating logic.
3. Effective: Factual evidence (80 degrees) supports not needing a jacket.
4. Effective: Uses specific data (7,000 chemicals, 50 cancer-causing) to argue against smoking.
5. Not effective: Confuses correlation (rooster crows before sunrise) with causation.

Task Two requires persuasive sentences using logos (logical evidence):

1. Use health facts; 2. Use accident statistics; 3. Use health benefit data.

Answer:

Task One:

1. Effective.
2. Not effective.
3. Effective.
4. Effective.
5. Not effective.

Task Two:

1. Chocolate is high in sugar; the American Heart Association states excess sugar increases cavity and weight gain risk, so you should stop eating so much.
2. Studies show 30% of traffic fatalities involve drunk driving, and alcohol impairs reaction time by 20%, so don’t drink and drive.
3. The CDC reports regular exercise reduces heart disease risk by 35% and boosts energy; 30 minutes daily can improve health, so exercise more.