Question

WORD CHOICE: EMOTIONAL APPEALS
In a speech, an emotional appeal stirs an audience’s feelings rather than their senses of logic or
reason. A writer or speaker may use emotional appeals to support their claim, or position. Types
of emotional appeals include appeals to sympathy, which show an issue through the speaker’s
eyes, appeals to shared values, which refer to values, such as equality or freedom, that most
listeners share, and appeals to negative emotions, which result in strong negative feelings, such
as anger, resentment, sadness, or fear.
A writer’s word choice helps to illustrate their tone, or the writer’s attitude toward their audience
and subject. Writers may also use allusion, an indirect reference to a well-known person, work,
or event, to strengthen readers’ understanding of their message and help to communicate their
argument.
DIRECTIONS: For each question, write the letter of the best answer.
1. Which of the following statements is an appeal to sympathy?
a. Not tackling a problem head-on is cowardly. So, let’s fund this medical research.
b. Everyone should get good medical care. So, let’s fund this medical research.
c. I know how badly the loss of a loved one hurts. So, let’s fund this medical research.
2. Which of the following statements is an appeal to shared values?
a. We all believe in the democratic right to vote. We must protect it.
b. If we don’t act now, there will be an economic collapse. People could lose everything!
c. Think of children who go to bed hungry each night. Let’s end poverty.
3. Which of the following statements uses a logical appeal?
a. I myself dealt with childhood obesity, so I know the challenges it poses.
b. We all want our children to be happy and healthy. So, let’s promote healthy lifestyles.
c. Exercise decreases the risk of diabetes, can lower blood pressure, and can control obesity,
so let’s encourage our kids to get active and give them the time to do so.
4. Which statement appeals to the negative emotions of anger and resentment?
a. The plant’s management has been taking advantage of us for too long! It’s time to strike!
b. I know first-hand what it’s like to feel unsure about the future.
c. If we are organized and have the courage, management will listen to us.

Answer 1

1. c
2. a
3. c
4. a