Question

question 8
the author states, “...this vital ecosystem faces numerous threats... threats have shrunk the habitat and endangered many native species.” which rhetorical appeal is the author primarily using in this statement, and how does it function?
a. logos: by providing specific facts and statistics about the exact number of species endangered by the threats.

b. ethos: by establishing the author’s credibility as a certified environmental scientist to speak on the topic of species decline.
c. pathos: by using emotionally charged words like “vital,” “threats,” and “endangered” to evoke the reader’s concern and urgency for the ecosystem’s survival.
d. antithesis: by contrasting the current state of the ecosystem with its past, pristine condition to highlight the difference.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: The statement does not provide specific facts/statistics about the number of endangered species, so A is incorrect.
• Analyze Option B: The statement does not establish the author's credibility as a certified scientist (no mention of credentials), so B is incorrect.
• Analyze Option C: Words like "vital," "threats," and "endangered" are emotionally charged, aiming to evoke concern/urgency (Pathos is about emotional appeal), so this matches.
• Analyze Option D: The statement does not contrast the current and past states of the ecosystem, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Pathos: By using emotionally charged words like "vital," "threats," and "endangered" to evoke the reader's concern and urgency for the ecosystem's survival.