Logos

1. Logos Good Better Mayor Parker uses many statistical examples to back up her speech, but none more significant than her introduction to the problem, that “approximately 65% of [Houston] streets and drainage systems are beyond their useful life” and goes on to add that “at current funding levels it would take 100 years to replace them,” demonstrating to people that more action should be taken. It clearly exemplifies the need of new drainage systems, her argument, in a concise and to the point manner, so there is no doubt people understand how big of a problem it is and how nothing is being done. Why? Addresses specific parts of the quote which reflect logos and discusses the effect on the audience. Mayor Parker tells voters that “approximately 65 percent of our streets & drainage systems are beyond their useful life.” the use of logos shows readers the statistics & the truth. By using a number the reader can see how greatly the city of Houston needs repairs. The reader doesn’t take it as a lie, which if he doesn’t listen to the other parts, then he still has the overwhelming statistic to back up the need for new streets & drainage systems. Why? Discusses how the numbers/facts are successful as logos.

2. Ethos Good Better To urge “Houston to come together” and restore the streets, Mayor Parker creates ethos within her editorial. She achieves this by reminding her fellow Houstonians of the previous accomplishments of Houston, such as “the Port of Houston, the Medical Center, the Johnson Space Center,” and “The Astrodome”. This evokes a sense of responsibility out of the citizens of Houston, and gives them a feeling of inclination to assist in Mayor Parker’s request for the city. Why? Great verbs and vocabulary. Discusses the direct goal of developing ethos. Paragraph 3 contains a heavy use of ethos that strengthens the article by getting “all Houstonian voters,” the audience, to consider voting “in favor of this ballot initiative.” Parker calls Prop 1 “necessary…the best option…and fair”. She referred to Houstonians as good people who work hard, establishing a feeling of respect by the audience. Parker’s sentence, “taking responsibility for the future of our city is what Houstonians do,” further restores our duty to vote for Prop 1. Why? Captures Parker’s goal of wanting to establish a relationship and reputation with the reader.

3. Pathos Good Better Parker’s use of pathos evokes emotions of sympathy. If “a hard rain can prevent parents from picking up their kids from school or returning home after work,” the reader feels sad and causes them to commiserate for the citizens. They realize that it is a problem that needs to be fixed. Any human would feel sad for a child waiting at school for hours because of a simple thunderstorm. This evokes them to feel as there are consequences if the drainage remains the same. This validates Parker’s claim more as that now the audience feels that it is a must to get new drainage systems and make life easier for little children, parents, and the rest of the citizens who are affected. Why? Discusses how emotions will cause a citizen to act. The word “commiserate” is the just idea that Parker intends. The use of pathos is apparent in Mayor Parker’s editorial when she draws attention to the problems caused by the old streets and encourages “dreamers” to assist in solving the problems with a “can-do spirit”. The appeal reaches “parents” who personally experience the “hard rain” that prevents them from “picking up their kids”, and others who are “afraid” when the rain causes tem to “drive [their] car though water.” Mayor Parker’s use of pathos helps her audience relate to her cause and be more accepting towards the Proposition 1. Why? Refers to specific parts of the quote, but also use caution with snippets. They should be 3-6 words.

4. Your assignment: • Using your copy of the Prop 1 article, choose your weakest paragraph. • On a separate sheet of paper, revise and strengthen it. You should have the following components: • A TOPIC SENTENCE that is all commentary and conveys the main idea of your paragraph. No quotes in a topic sentence. • A BLENDED quote, followed by TWO sentences of commentary that explains its significance. Use your Rhetorical Analysis Guidelines to strengthen the commentary. • Another BLENDED quote, followed by TWO sentences of commentary. See directions above. • A CONCLUDING SENTENCE that makes a judgment about the effectiveness of these examples in helping Parker prove her assertion.