Question

which of these uses pathos?
a. the thunderclouds have won 10 out of 12 games this season, and they are ranked number one in the division.
b. anderson soars through the air like superman and catches the ball. then he tosses it into the basket with the force of hercules.
c. our basketball team has a chance of winning the state championship game this year.
d. dribble it. pass it. throw it. we want a basket.

Explanation:

Pathos is an appeal to emotion, aiming to evoke feelings in the audience.

• Option A uses factual statistics (logos, appeal to logic).
• Option B uses vivid, heroic comparisons to create excitement and admiration, but it leans more toward descriptive imagery than direct emotional appeal to the audience's feelings.
• Option C is a neutral statement of possibility.
• Option D uses short, rhythmic, urgent language that directly rallies the audience's enthusiasm and emotional investment in the team scoring, which is an appeal to pathos.

Answer:

D. Dribble it. Pass it. Throw it. We want a basket.