Assessing an Author’s Claims

An author of a persuasive or argument text may employ a combination of any of the three techniques discussed on the first Learn It page – ethos, pathos and logos. When considering the reasoning and evidence used by an author to support his or her claims, the reader should analyze which type of evidence is used.

The weakest form of evidence is pathos, the emotional appeal. Ethos can also be seen as a weak form of evidence. Strongest evidence is logos -- logic and reason. Think of these techniques as building blocks of argument or persuasion.

You have examined the three techniques used by authors to support their claims. The next step is to look at how to analyze and evaluate the reasoning and evidence used by the author in support of his or her claim.