ETTHOS AND LOGOS: “TOOLS” TWO IMPORTANT
ARGUMENT “TOOLS”
Aristotle defined qualities of argument centuries ago. Two terms of consequence for you are ethos and
logos.
Ethos: The trustworthiness of the writer. You have to write what you know, what you
believe, and support it well. Your essay will be voiceless and powerless if you don’t
believe in what you are saying.Logos: Using reason and logic to persuade. You must have a point to argue and know
how to do it. You can use the rhetorical strategies listed above.