Expository and Persuasive Aims

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Expository and Persuasive Aims

• The Elements of Nonfiction

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The Expository Aim

• The purpose is to inform or explain
• Usually appears in magazine or newspaper writing
  and supports with
• Facts, statistics, or examples

3
The Writers Technique

• Ask the following questions
• What main idea is the writer trying to get
  across? Which sentence best summarizes the main
  idea?
• What facts, statistics, and examples does the
  writer use to support the main idea?
• What effect did these details have on you?

4
The Persuasive Aim

• The writers wish is to convince you to accept a
  point of view or take a particular action.
• He/She uses
• Logical appeals (logos)
• Emotional Appeals (pathos)
• Character Appeals (ethos)

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Logos

• An appeal to reasonoffering clear, rational
  ideas
• ALSO
• Acknowledges counterarguments where you concede
  and then refute the opposing argument

6
Pathos

• Emotional appeal in which the writer relies on
  choosing language (such as figurative language or
  personal anecdotes) that engages the emotions of
  his/her audience
• An effective speaker/writer understands the power
  of evoking the audiences emotions

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Ethos

• An appeal to character to demonstrate the writer
  is trustworthy and credible
• The writer emphasizes shared values between the
  speaker and the audience
• Tone will carry the impression further

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Prompt

• Write a letter to the local newspaper expressing
  your point of view about a recent event.
• Your intention is to persuade people to accept
  your point of view.
• Identify your issue and state your opinion
  clearly.
• Give good, convincing reasons for your views.
• Support your ideas with facts, statistics, or
  examples.