Write a persuasive essay, using at least two outside sources. You should incorporate ethos, pathos and logos techniques in the essay. The essay should contain the following:
Introduction
A thesis statement with a clearly defined argument.
Body paragraphs that support your thesis
Conclusion
Essay must be in MLA format and include in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Ethos:
Ethos is the Greek word for “character.” In order to convince people to agree with you, you need to establish that you are worth listening to. If your audience thinks you are trustworthy, knowledgeable, likeable, and respectable, they will tend to believe what you are saying. The impression you make on the reader is just as important as the information you present.
Pathos:
Pathos means appealing to the audience’s emotions. If you can inspire an emotional connection with your audience, get them to feel what you feel, such as anger or pity, or get them to feel sympathetic to your cause, they are more likely to agree with your position.
Logos:
Logos means to persuade an audience by logic. This is where you present facts, evidence and reason to convince your audience. Citing authorities and showing that your argument is well-researched can lend your argument credibility.
Sources for Persuasive Essay:
You will want to review a variety of sources to write a good persuasive essay. A research paper focuses on academic sources, but with a persuasive essay, you can use a broader array of sources to help influence your readers. For example, to appeal to a logical audience, you will want to use academic sources. To appeal to people’s emotions, you may want to find a story or personal experience that moves your audience to action. You could also look for an opinion piece in a newspaper or magazine that has the same opinion as you do.
Where do I find sources?
Academic search engines. Many schools and libraries subscribe to academic search engines such as EBSCO or Academic Search Premiere or InfoTrac. These search engines filter results so you can be sure they qualify as academic sources.
Googlescholar.com. This search engine, available to anyone, also filters results so you only get academic sources. Not every source listed is available online.
Library. Print sources from your school or public library that you can’t get online are available here. Asking a librarian for help is a great resource.
Internet search. Using a regular search engine such as Google or Yahoo can turn up good sources for examples and stories to help make your point. You can also look at website for newspapers and magazines.
Literature from organizations. Different organizations, such as non-profit organizations, may have pamphlets or handouts you can use in your essay. The local animal shelter, for example, might have statistics or stories about the animals that they take in. You can also usually find literature online from these types of organizations.
Personal interviews or observations. It might be helpful to generate your own survey or interview. For example, if your paper is trying to persuade the school ro provide healthier options in the cafeteria, you might take a survey of students to find out how many would purchase particular items, or interview a dietician.
What about Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is not a reliable or credible academic source. If you go to the end of an article on Wikipedia, however, you will find links that could lead you to a good source.