Question

As president of the Student Council for two years now, I think that it is time we try to establish a better system for spending our funds. What kind of appeal is the speaker using in this sentence?

ethos, an appeal based on the speaker’s character
logos, an appeal based on logic and reason
pathos, an appeal based on the audience’s emotions
eros, an appeal based on love

Answer 1

ethos, an appeal based on the speaker's character

Answer 2

Answer: ethos, an appeal based on the speaker’s character.

Ethos is an appeal in which the speaker tries to establish his credibility by commenting on his character. In this case, the speaker's only argument to establish a better system for spending the funds is that he has been the President of the Student Council for two years now. With this statement, the speaker wants to establish his fitness to comment on an issue like this.