Ethos Pathos and Logos Flashcards

A 'false dichotomy' fallacy undermines which type of appeal?

Answer: Logos

A false dichotomy presents only two options when more exist, which is a failure of logical reasoning and thus undermines logos.

Which approach best strengthens ethos in an AP Lang argument essay?

Answer: Acknowledging counterarguments and addressing them fairly

Acknowledging and engaging opposing views fairly demonstrates intellectual honesty, which strengthens the author's credibility (ethos).

When an argument relies on an anecdote as its primary evidence for a universal claim, it commits which logical fallacy?

Answer: Hasty generalization

Using a single story to support a broad universal claim is hasty generalization, a logos fallacy.

In a rhetorical analysis, after identifying an appeal, the next step is to:

Answer: Explain how the appeal works on the target audience to achieve the author's purpose

Identifying an appeal earns no points alone — you must analyze how it functions to persuade the specific audience toward the author's purpose.

An argument that states 'If we allow same-sex marriage, people will next want to marry animals' is an example of:

Answer: Slippery slope fallacy

The slippery slope fallacy assumes that one event will inevitably lead to a chain of extreme, unrelated consequences without evidence.

Which combination of appeals is often considered the most persuasive in academic argument?

Answer: All three appeals balanced appropriately

Effective academic argument typically integrates all three appeals — credibility (ethos), logic (logos), and emotional relevance (pathos).