ACT (Enhanced)ReadingMedium
A political commentator states: 'The current administration's fiscal policies, while lauded by some as pragmatic, are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power by enriching their base at the expense of the working class. Their claims of economic growth are statistical manipulations designed to obscure the widening wealth gap.' Which rhetorical appeal is the commentator primarily using to persuade the audience?
- AEthos
- BPathos
- CKairos
- DLogos
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Pathos
The commentator uses emotionally charged language such as 'thinly veiled attempt,' 'consolidate power,' 'enriching their base,' and 'at the expense of the working class,' along with 'statistical manipulations' and 'widening wealth gap.' These phrases are designed to evoke strong feelings of anger, injustice, and resentment in the audience, which is characteristic of pathos.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The commentator is not establishing their own credibility but rather attacking the credibility and motives of the administration, which is not ethos.
- C. Kairos refers to the timeliness or appropriateness of an argument, which is not the primary appeal here.
- D. While there's a mention of 'statistical manipulations,' the primary appeal isn't logical reasoning but rather emotional condemnation of the policies and their perceived motives.
Rhetorical Appeal: Pathos
A persuasive technique that appeals to the audience's emotions, values, beliefs, or imagination to evoke a desired response.
- Aims to create an emotional connection or reaction.
- Often uses vivid language, personal stories, or emotionally charged topics.
- Can evoke feelings like sympathy, anger, fear, joy, or patriotism.
Memory trick: Logos, Ethos, Pathos: Logic, Ethics, Emotions – the three persuasive potions.