Question

read the excerpt from the declaration of independence.
and for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.
which statement best describes the use of rhetorical appeals in the excerpt?
○ the excerpt relies on pathos by offering high praise to the document’s authors.
○ the excerpt relies on pathos by making strong emotional claims.
○ the excerpt relies on logos by referencing other historical texts.
○ the excerpt relies on logos by explaining the reasoning behind the document.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect because the excerpt does not praise the document’s authors.
• The second option is correct. The excerpt uses pathos (emotional appeal) by making strong emotional claims through phrases like "mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor," which evoke strong emotions related to sacrifice and commitment.
• The third option is incorrect as the excerpt does not reference other historical texts.
• The fourth option is incorrect because the excerpt does not explain the reasoning behind the document (which would be logos); instead, it focuses on emotional pledges.

Answer:

B. The excerpt relies on pathos by making strong emotional claims.