Recognizing Appeals to Logic (Logos)

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Directions: The statements below make persuasive appeals to the reader about the dangers of pollution.
Some of the statements make appeals to logic (logos); some make appeals to emotion (pathos); and some
make appeals to ethics or authority of the speaker (ethos). Move each statement into the column that matches
its type of appeal.
The Pollution Problem
Roberto Bererra
1Unfortunately, pollution is like air: its everywhere! Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances
into the environment that can cause damage and harm to humans, animals, and the environment. It takes
on a number of different forms, from chemicals and garbage to something as seemingly innocent as light
or noise.
2Pollution

comes from a variety of sources. In addition, it alters, changes, and even destroys a variety of
places. For example, exhaust from cars pollutes the air. When it rains, runoff from fertilizers and
pesticides, which farmers use to help crops grow, can pollute the water in oceans, rivers, lakes, and
streams. Garbage dumped in landfills is not only an eyesore, but also a source of harmful gases that can
damage the earths atmosphere. Light pollution, which comes in the form of bright streetlights or signs,
disrupts the view of the night sky. Noise pollution caused by cars, trucks, and machines interrupts the
natural sounds of the world around us, such as birds singing or leaves rustling.
3The

types of pollution and their effects vary greatly. At the same time, however, they are related; each
type of pollution affects the other types. An example of the connection between different types of
pollution is acid rain. Acid rain is caused mostly by sulfur or nitrogen emissions given off by sources such
as car exhaust and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal. These harmful chemicals rise into the
atmosphere where they react with other compounds and then fall as an acidic form of rain, sleet, or snow.
Acid rain damages plants and buildings, contaminates soil and water, and has a negative effect on
animals, fish, and even humans.
4Pollution

has other effects, too. Breathing toxic air or drinking polluted water can cause humans and
animals to develop health problems that can be serious and sometimes deadly. The deaths of too many
members of a certain species of animal can upset the local ecosystem, or the area in which they live. As a
result, weather patterns and climates can also change.
5Though

pollution is everywhere, there are ways to help prevent it. By walking or riding bikesinstead
of driving carspeople can help decrease air pollution. People can also buy and eat organic foods to
support farmers that do not use fertilizers on their crops. It is also a good idea to take old things that
people intend to throw away and find new ways to use them. A great way to help the environment is to
recycle. Save items like used paper, glass and plastic bottles, and metal cans. Then, take them to a
recycling center where they can be turned into new products to be used again. Some cities and towns even
have recycling programs in place so all you have to do is leave your recyclable items on the curb on a
certain day each week. It doesnt get much easier to help the environment and reduce pollution than that!

ITEMBANK:

A local ecosystem can be upset by the death of certain species of animals.

As a scientist, I can attest that some forms of pollution are not pollution at all.
As an environmental expert, I can speak with authority about the dangers of pollution.
Breathing toxic air can cause human and animal health problems.
Garbage dumped in landfills are an eyestore to the general public.
If we don't polluting the earth, all human life will be destroyed.
Light pollution disrupts a person's view of the night sky.

If you pollute, you should be thrown into prison.

Noise pollution disrupts the natural sounds of the world.

Pollution is an immoral act that instills guilt and shame in the person polluting.

Appeals to Logic (Logos) Appeals to Ethics (Ethos)

Appeals to Emotions
(Pathos)