Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Emotional appeal, or pathos, functions in persuasive writing by targeting the audience’s feelings to enhance the writer’s argument. This approach goes beyond mere facts and logic, allowing the writer to create a connection with readers by invoking emotions such as sympathy, anger, happiness, or fear. By eliciting these feelings, the writer aims to persuade the audience to align with their point of view or take a specific action.

For example, in a charity campaign, vivid images and stories of individuals facing hardships are often presented to evoke compassion, prompting the audience to contribute. This strategy is effective because people are often motivated by their emotions, and when they feel a strong emotional response, they are more likely to be persuaded to accept the writer’s perspective or support a cause.

Other options, while addressing aspects of writing and persuasion, do not pertain to the emotional aspect integral to pathos. Logical reasoning and evidence focus on logos, and an emphasis on facts and data suggests a more analytical approach, not one driven by emotion. While confusion may occasionally arise in communication, it is not a goal of emotional appeal in persuasive writing.