Question

read this passage from \the american dream.\

one of the first things we notice in this dream is an amazing universalism. it does not say some men, but it says all men. it does not say all white men, but it says all men, which includes black men. it does not say all gentiles, but it says all men, which includes jews. it does not say all protestants, but it says all men, which includes catholics.

which states the rhetorical appeal that the passage uses?

• the passage appeals to logos.
• the passage appeals to ethos.
• the passage appeals to pathos.
• the passage appeals to argument.

Explanation:

Analyze the passage's argument structure

The passage from "The American Dream" analyzes the literal wording of a foundational text ("It does not say some men, but it says all men... It does not say all white men, but it says all men, which includes black men..."). This systematic breakdown of the text's language and its logical scope is an appeal to logic, reasoning, and definition.

Evaluate the rhetorical appeals

• Logos: Appeal to logic, reasoning, and textual evidence. The passage uses logical deduction to define the universal scope of "all men."
• Ethos: Appeal to credibility, character, or ethics.
• Pathos: Appeal to emotion.
• Argument: Not a standard rhetorical appeal.

Determine the correct option

The passage's systematic, analytical breakdown of the definition of "all men" represents an appeal to logos.

Answer:

• The passage appeals to logos. (Correct answer)
• The passage appeals to ethos.
• The passage appeals to pathos.
• The passage appeals to argument.