New
New
Year 8

Aristotle's triad

I can identify and use Aristotle's triad in writing.

New
New
Year 8

Aristotle's triad

I can identify and use Aristotle's triad in writing.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Aristotle was an influential ancient Greek philosopher who lived between 384 BCE to 322 BCE.
  2. Aristotle wrote about politics, rhetoric and logic.
  3. Aristotle’s triad consists of logos, ethos and pathos.
  4. Logos is the appeal to reason; ethos is the appeal to authority and credibility and pathos is the appeal to emotion.
  5. Aristotle’s triad is very important when planning persuasive writing.

Common misconception

Students often don't value their own knowledge or experiences when aiming to persuade.

Encourage students to use examples that they are familiar with.

Keywords

  • Influential - having the power to change people or things

  • Rhetoric - speech or writing intended to be effective and influence people

  • Logic - the use of reason, or the science of using reason

  • Expertise - a high level of knowledge or skill

  • Credible - able to be believed or trusted

For topics in learning cycle 3, add suggestions that are relevant to your own school community or neighbourhood.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need a copy of the extract from a speech given by the respected character of Old Major in George Orwell’s novel ‘Animal Farm’. It is in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is not a synonym for "taking a stand"?
assert
protest
speak out
Correct answer: deny
Q2.
Which of the following is the best definition of a speech?
a written document used by lawyers
Correct answer: a formal or informal address given to an audience
a conversation between two or more people
a piece of literature designed to be performed
Q3.
Which two of the following are synonyms for emotions?
Correct answer: sentiments
thoughts
ideas
Correct answer: feelings
Q4.
Which two of the following are negative feelings?
joy
happiness
Correct answer: sadness
Correct answer: anger
Q5.
Which is the best definition of emotive language?
Correct answer: language used to express feelings and evoke emotions
language characterised by directness and simplicity
language that is calm and full of evidence
language that is formal and used in academic writing
Q6.
If we persuade someone successfully, we have __________ them to do or believe something.
forced
Correct answer: convinced
asked
invited

6 Questions

Q1.
Who was Aristotle?
a lawyer
Correct answer: a philosopher
a doctor
Q2.
What is a triad?
a three stringed Greek instrument
Correct answer: a group or set of three people or things
a geometric shape with three sides
Q3.
Match the words on the left with the correct definitions.
Correct Answer:logos,appeals to logic and reason

appeals to logic and reason

Correct Answer:ethos,appeals to ethics, credibility or trustworthiness

appeals to ethics, credibility or trustworthiness

Correct Answer:pathos ,appeals to emotions or feelings.

appeals to emotions or feelings.

Q4.
Aristotle’s triad is very important when planning writing.
Correct Answer: persuasive
Q5.
Which of the following is the best example of logos?
Correct answer: an advert presents scientific evidence when promoting a product
an advert features a celebrity endorsing a product
a political speech appealing to the audience's sense of patriotism
a charity campaign showcasing heart warming stories to evoke sympathy
Q6.
Which of the following uses ethos?
a fast food advert showing people enjoying their meal together
Correct answer: an advert where pet food is recommended by a vet
an advert for a car featuring a famous actor driving the vehicle
an advert for a charity using emotional music

Additional material

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