Question

which statement primarily appeals to pathos, or emotion, to support the position that people should support locally owned businesses?
after many years of running a small hardware store, i understand the difficulties small business owners face when competing with big - box retail chains.
although corporate chain stores may offer customers wider selections and bigger discounts, locally owned businesses are more likely to offer personalized services and to support their local communities.
by shopping at retail chains instead of small, locally owned stores, you are directly undermining—financially and socially—the foundation upon which your community is built.

Explanation:

To determine which statement appeals to pathos (emotion), we analyze each:

• First statement: Shares a personal experience (running a small hardware store, understanding difficulties) to evoke empathy for small business owners.
• Second statement: Focuses on practical benefits (selections, discounts, services) – more logos (logic) than pathos.
• Third statement: Discusses the negative impact of shopping at chains on the community, using emotional language about "undermining" and "foundation of your community" to appeal to feelings of community pride and responsibility.

The third statement ("By shopping at retail chains instead of small, locally owned stores, you are directly undermining—financially and socially—the foundation upon which your community is built.") uses emotional appeals about community well - being to persuade, making it the one that primarily appeals to pathos.

Answer:

By shopping at retail chains instead of small, locally owned stores, you are directly undermining—financially and socially—the foundation upon which your community is built.