Persuasive text facts for kids

A persuasive text is any writing or speech that tries to convince you to agree with a certain idea or to do something. Think of it like someone trying to get you to see things their way! This kind of text can be an argument, a discussion, a review of a movie, or even an advertisement you see online or on TV. Its main goal is to influence your thoughts or actions.

How People Persuade You

When someone wants to persuade you, they often use different ways to connect with your mind, your feelings, or their own trustworthiness. These methods are ancient ideas, but they are still used all the time today in speeches, ads, and articles.

Building Trust (Ethos)

Ethos is about showing that you are a trustworthy and good person. It's like saying, "Believe me because I am honest and know what I'm talking about." When a speaker or writer uses ethos, they try to make you trust them. They might do this by showing they have good values or by proving they are an expert on the topic.

• For example, a famous scientist talking about climate change uses ethos. You trust them because they are an expert.
• A student who always does their homework and is fair might use ethos when asking for a later deadline. Their teacher trusts them.

Using Logic and Facts (Logos)

Logos means using facts, reasons, and logic to convince someone. It's like saying, "Believe me because the facts and reasons support my idea." When someone uses logos, they want you to think carefully about their points. They might share statistics, research, or clear examples that make sense.

• If a company says their new phone lasts longer, they might show a chart with battery life comparisons. This uses logos.
• When you argue with your parents about staying up late, you might use logos by saying, "I finished all my homework, and I'll still get eight hours of sleep."

Connecting with Feelings (Pathos)

Pathos is about making people feel emotions to convince them. It's like saying, "Believe me because this idea makes you feel a certain way." People use pathos to make you feel happy, sad, angry, or excited. They want your emotions to guide your decision.

• An advertisement for a charity might show sad pictures of animals to make you feel sympathy and donate money. This is using pathos.
• A speech about teamwork might tell an inspiring story that makes everyone feel proud and united. This also uses pathos.