Final answer:
The use of word choice, ad hominems, and background information when attempting persuasion does not fall under ethos, pathos, or logos, making the answer D. None of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
When attempting to persuade someone, the use of word choice, ad hominems, and background information are characteristics of rhetorical devices known as ethos, pathos, and logos. However, ad hominem attacks are a logical fallacy and not a constructive rhetorical strategy within these three appeals. Ethos is about establishing credibility and trust, pathos about appealing to emotions, and logos about appealing to logic with credible information and sound reasoning. Since ad hominems are not associated with logical reasoning, the device in question that makes use of word choice, ad hominems, and background information is D. None of the above. Ethos, pathos, and logos strive for persuasive communication through more reliable methods than ad hominem, which is often considered a fallacious argument tactic rather than a legitimate persuasive device.