Final answer:
Writers use logical appeals (logos) and emotional appeals (pathos) to persuade their audience, with logos relying on rational arguments and pathos engaging emotions. They may also use unethical rhetorical devices like bandwagon appeals and ad hominem attacks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Writers can utilize two primary types of arguments to achieve a persuasive purpose: logical appeals and emotional appeals. Logical appeals, known as logos, rely on facts, evidence, and rational arguments to persuade the audience. These often include statistical data, historical evidence, and demonstrable facts that support the argument's thesis. On the other hand, emotional appeals, or pathos, seek to engage the audience's feelings. They may involve storytelling, vivid imagery, or any rhetorical device that elicits an emotional response from the reader.
Besides these ethical strategies, writers sometimes employ fallacious reasoning or unethical rhetorical devices to persuade, such as bandwagon appeals, ad hominem attacks, or bait and switch tactics. These strategies diverge from logical reasoning and instead attempt to manipulate the audience through less-than-honest means. Effective rhetorical analysis involves identifying both ethical and unethical strategies, explaining their use, and evaluating their impact on persuasion.