3.9

ACTIVITY ANALYZING APPEALS

Discuss the appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos in the following public service advertisement sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep in mind that this ad would most likely appear in magazines that are available in doctors’ waiting rooms, particularly children’s clinics and the offices of pediatricians. Do you think it would be an effective argument for parents or guardians considering vaccinations? Why or why not? Does the ad rely too heavily on one of the appeals and neglect others, or is it evenhanded in its approach? Cite specific elements of the ad—both written text and visual images—in your analysis.

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