*IMPROVED* How to Write About Ethos, Pathos, & Logos (The BEST Way)!

Summary

In this episode of the Garden of English, Tim Frus encourages viewers to refine their rhetorical skills by understanding and applying ethos, pathos, and logos effectively. He advises against using Greek terms in English essays, emphasizing the importance of precision and clarity. Tim provides examples to illustrate how to identify and articulate these appeals in writing, advocating for a nuanced approach that reflects the complexity of rhetoric. He also recommends resources to help viewers enhance their rhetorical analysis skills.

Takeaways

• 🌱 The video emphasizes the importance of growth in both physical stature and mental capacity, drawing parallels between learning new skills and understanding rhetorical concepts.
• 🎓 The presenter, Tim Frus, encourages viewers to reflect on their initial experiences learning new concepts, highlighting the transition from rudimentary to nuanced understanding.
• 📚 The video discusses the core concepts of ethos, pathos, and logos, which are central to rhetoric, but suggests that understanding the 'rhetorical situation' is a prerequisite.
• 🔍 The presenter advises against using Greek terms in English rhetorical analysis, advocating for clear and precise English expressions instead.
• 📖 It's noted that the College Board's AP Language course and exam description does not emphasize Greek terms, aiming to prevent over-reliance on these terms in teaching and exams.
• 👨‍🏫 Tim Frus, being part of the development team for the AP Language course and exam description, shares insider knowledge on the curriculum's intent.
• 📝 The video provides guidance on how to write precisely about rhetorical appeals, suggesting that vague terms like 'pathos' should be replaced with specific emotional appeals identified in the text.
• 🔗 Links to additional resources, including a video on the rhetorical situation and an exam prep guide, are provided in the video description for further learning.
• 🎯 The importance of precision in writing is underscored, with examples given to illustrate how to articulate specific rhetorical strategies without using Greek terms.
• 🤝 The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to improve their writing skills by avoiding Greek terms and focusing on clear, precise English.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Garden of English' video presented by Tim Frus?

The main theme of the video is the exploration of core concepts in rhetoric, specifically ethos, pathos, and logos, and how to properly conceptualize and discuss them in the context of rhetorical analysis without relying on the Greek terms themselves.

Why does Tim Frus suggest that understanding the rhetorical situation is crucial before discussing ethos, pathos, and logos?

Tim Frus suggests that understanding the rhetorical situation is crucial because it provides the foundation for analyzing the function of ethos, pathos, and logos. Without comprehending the context of the speaker, audience, and message, it's difficult to accurately assess how these appeals are being used.

What is Tim Frus's stance on using Greek terms like ethos, pathos, and logos in English rhetorical analysis?

Tim Frus is against using Greek terms like ethos, pathos, and logos in English rhetorical analysis. He believes that it's more effective to use English terms and be precise in describing the rhetorical strategies being employed.

Why does Tim Frus believe that the use of Greek terms in AP Language exams should be avoided?

Tim Frus believes that Greek terms should be avoided in AP Language exams because the College Board's course and exam description does not include these terms, aiming to prevent teachers from overemphasizing them and students from feeling obligated to use them.

What is the connection between the English word 'ethics' and the Greek term 'ethos'?

The English word 'ethics' shares the same root as the Greek term 'ethos', which refers to an appeal to a speaker's character or authority.

How does Tim Frus suggest improving the precision of writing about pathos in rhetorical analysis?

Tim Frus suggests improving the precision of writing about pathos by identifying the specific emotions being evoked, the speaker making the appeal, and the choice made by the speaker to elicit those emotions.

What is the advice given for writing about ethos in a rhetorical analysis essay?

The advice for writing about ethos is to pinpoint the speaker, articulate the actual choice made by the speaker to build character, and describe the specific character being built, rather than using vague terms.

Can ethos and logos overlap in their effects according to Tim Frus?

Yes, according to Tim Frus, ethos and logos can overlap in their effects. He gives an example of a toothpaste advertisement where the recommendation by dental professionals serves both to build the company's character as trustworthy and to highlight the logical choice for consumers.

What is the importance of precision in writing about emotional appeals, as emphasized by Tim Frus?

The importance of precision in writing about emotional appeals is to clearly identify the specific emotion being targeted, as opposed to using broad terms that do not convey the intended effect or analysis accurately.

What resources does Tim Frus recommend for further understanding of burying ethos, pathos, and logos?

Tim Frus recommends graphic resources created by his friend Katie Storms, which are linked in the video description, to help viewers understand how to effectively write about these concepts without using the Greek terms.