A
Persuasion is the art of convincing someone to agree with you.According to the ancient Greeks,there are three basic tools of persuasion:ethos,pathos,and logos.
Ethos is a speaker’s way of convincing the audience that he is trustworthy,honest and reliable.One common way a speaker can develop ethos is by explaining how much experience or education he has in the field.After all,you’re more likely to listen to advice about how to take care of your teeth from a dentist than a fireman.A speaker can also create ethos by convincing the audience that he is a good person.If the audience cannot trust you,you will not be able to persuade them.
Pathos is a speaker’s way of connecting with the audience’s emotions.For example,a politician who is trying to convince the audience to vote for him might say that he alone can save the country from a terrible war.These words are intended to fill the audience with fear,thus making them support him.Similarly,an animal charity might show the audience pictures of injured dogs and cats,to make the viewers feel pity.If the audience feel bad for the animals,they will be more likely to donate money.
Logos is the use of facts,statistics,or other evidence to support your argument.The audience will be more likely to believe you if you have convincing data to back up your claims.Presenting this evidence is much more persuasive than simply saying “believe me”.
Although ethos,pathos,and logos all have their strengths,they are often most effective when used together.Indeed,most speakers use a combination of ethos,pathos,and logos to persuade their audience.So,the next time you listen to a speech,watch a commercial,or listen to a friend who try to convince you to lend him some money,be on the lookout for these ancient Greek tools of persuasion.
1.How is a speaker able to show his ethos to the audience?
A.By expressing his sympathy with the audience.
B.By telling the audience about his personal preference.
C.By using beautiful language to make his statements attractive.
D.By showing his knowledge and experience relating to the topic.
2.What can we learn about the three aspects of persuasion?
A.Ethos is the most important aspect of persuasion.
B.Each aspect has a different effect on the audience.
C.Honesty is the key to making your arguments believable.
D.Political leaders never use pathos to persuade their audience.
3.An advertisement for washing powder which claims that “scientific tests show that our powder kills 95% of all bacteria” is mainly using .
A.ethos B.pathos C.logos D.a combination of all three
语篇解读:文章介绍了三种说服他人的技巧。
答案及剖析:
1.D 细节理解题。根据第二段第二句可知,演讲者可以通过解释他在该领域的经验或者教育程度来展现他的道德思想。
2.B 推理判断题。文章介绍了persuasion的三种基本技巧:ethos,pathos和logos,并分别说明了每种技巧的作用以及具体的操作方法。B项意为“每个方面都能对观众产生不同的影响”,符合题意。
3.C 推理判断题。根据第四段第一句可知,logos通过使用事实、数据以及其他证据来支持你的观点,题目中提到“科学实验表明我们的洗衣粉能杀死95%的细菌”,由此可知答案。
