Which sentence contains an example of ethos? Your ability to play the piano will suffer if you do not tickle the ivories every night. As a soccer coach with 20 years of experience, I know your skills will decline if you keep skipping practice. Lexi read that the more vegetables you eat, the healthier you are, so she begged her family eat vegetables daily. Your decision to stay home instead of attending the celebration at your aunt’s house will break her heart.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The sentence that contains an example of ethos is: “As a soccer coach with 20 years of experience, I know your skills will decline if you keep skipping practice.”
Explanation of Ethos
Ethos refers to the credibility or ethical appeal that an author or speaker establishes to persuade an audience. It is one of the three modes of persuasion identified by Aristotle, alongside pathos (emotional appeal) and logos (logical appeal). Ethos relies on the character, experience, and authority of the speaker to convince the audience of the validity of their argument.
In the selected sentence, the speaker introduces themselves as a soccer coach with “20 years of experience.” This qualification serves several purposes:
- Establishing Authority: By mentioning their extensive experience, the speaker positions themselves as an authority on soccer training. An audience is more likely to trust the advice of someone who has been involved in a field for a long time. In this case, the experience implies that the speaker has likely seen the consequences of skipping practice and can speak knowledgeably about the skills needed to succeed in soccer.
- Building Trust: The mention of experience builds trust with the audience. Players and parents often seek guidance from experienced coaches because they believe they have gained valuable insights over the years. This trust enhances the persuasive impact of the statement.
- Implication of Consequences: The speaker’s authoritative voice adds weight to the claim that skipping practice will lead to a decline in skills. Because they are an expert, their assertion carries more significance than if it were made by someone without a similar background.
In summary, this sentence exemplifies ethos by leveraging the speaker’s credentials to persuade the audience of the importance of consistent practice in developing soccer skills. This ethical appeal is effective in motivating players to commit to their training.