Question

which statement primarily appeals to pathos to support the position that people should take more preventative measures to protect themselves from identity theft?
the rate of identity theft has risen over the past few years, and thus consumers would be wise to take extra precautions to secure their accounts.
identity theft is a pervasive and insidious problem, victimizing everyday consumers and wealthy investors alike.
working in banking for the past two years has made me much more careful about protecting my identity, as my awareness of identity theft has increased.

Explanation:

Pathos appeals to emotions. The second statement ("Identity theft is a pervasive and insidious problem, victimizing everyday consumers and wealthy investors alike") evokes empathy by highlighting that a wide range of people (everyday consumers, wealthy investors) are victims, stirring emotions about the threat. The first uses logic (rate rise → take precautions), and the third uses personal experience (ethos - credibility from banking experience), not pathos.

Answer:

Identity theft is a pervasive and insidious problem, victimizing everyday consumers and wealthy investors alike.