B2 Lesson 4: Writing Basic Persuasive Texts
You have learned to build a logical argument and organize it coherently. The final step is to learn how to make your argument truly persuasive1.
The goal of persuasive writing is not just to be correct, but to convince your reader to agree with your viewpoint and, often, to take a specific action. To do this, strong writers use three types of persuasive appeals2.
The Three Appeals of Persuasion
These techniques, first described by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, are the foundation of all persuasive communication.
1. Logos (Appeal to Logic)
This is the appeal to reason. You use facts, statistics, and well-structured arguments to prove your point is logical. You have already been practicing this!
2. Pathos (Appeal to Emotion)
This is the appeal to the reader's feelings. You use vivid language and powerful examples to connect with your reader's emotions, such as hope, fear, pride, or sympathy.
3. Ethos (Appeal to Credibility)
This is the appeal to trust. You show your reader that you are a fair-minded, knowledgeable, and trustworthy source. Acknowledging the counter-argument is a great way to build ethos.
Persuasion in Action: Deconstructing a Text
Let's look at a short persuasive text arguing for a community clean-up event in Siem Reap. Notice how it uses all three appeals.
It is time for our community to take action against the growing problem of plastic waste in our beautiful city. (Logos) → According to recent environmental reports, thousands of plastic bags and bottles pollute the Siem Reap River every month, harming wildlife and threatening our water supply. (Pathos) → Do we want the stunning river that our children will inherit to be choked with ugly, dangerous trash? We must protect the natural beauty that makes our home so special. (Ethos) → While it is true that this problem is large and complex, taking a small, local step is better than doing nothing at all. (Call to Action) → Therefore, I urge everyone to join the community clean-up event this Sunday at 8:00 AM, starting at the Old Market bridge.
✍️ B2 Persuasive Writing Checklist
- ✔️ Do I have a clear viewpoint and a specific action I want my reader to take?
- ✔️ Have I supported my argument with logic and facts (Logos)?
- ✔️ Have I appealed to the reader's emotions (Pathos) with vivid language or powerful questions?
- ✔️ Have I built credibility (Ethos) by showing I am fair-minded and knowledgeable?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Appeal
For each sentence, identify the primary persuasive appeal being used.
1. "A recent study from the Ministry of Health showed a 30% increase in respiratory problems in cities with high air pollution."
Answer: Logos (Appeal to Logic), because it uses a study and a statistic.
2. "Imagine the joy on a child's face when she receives a new book and opens up a world of imagination."
Answer: Pathos (Appeal to Emotion), because it uses emotional imagery to create feelings of happiness and sympathy.
3. "While I understand the arguments for a new road, we must first consider the environmental impact."
Answer: Ethos (Appeal to Credibility), because by acknowledging the other side, the writer appears reasonable and trustworthy.
📝 Homework: Write a Persuasive Paragraph
Your homework is to write your first fully persuasive paragraph.
Topic: Persuade the principal of a local school to start a small school garden.
Your Task: Write one strong paragraph (4-6 sentences). In your paragraph, you must include:
- A clear topic sentence stating your position.
- At least one logical reason or fact (Logos).
- At least one appeal to emotion (Pathos) (e.g., the happiness of the students, the beauty of the garden).
- A concluding sentence that encourages action.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Persuasive: (Adjective) - បញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល - Good at convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. ↩
- Appeal (in writing): (Noun) - ការអំពាវនាវ - A serious or urgent request; in rhetoric, a way of trying to persuade someone. ↩
- Logos: (Noun) - ឡូហ្គោស - A persuasive appeal to the audience's sense of logic and reason, using facts and evidence. ↩
- Pathos: (Noun) សិល្បៈវិធីការនាំអោយរំភើបចិត្ដ - A persuasive appeal to the audience's emotions, such as pity, sympathy, or sorrow. ↩
- Ethos: (Noun) - សីលធម៌ - A persuasive appeal based on the character, credibility, or authority of the speaker or writer. ↩