Question

Read the excerpt from Dwight D. Eisenhower's Military-Industrial Complex speech and answer the question that follows.

Throughout America's adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad.

Which statement correctly identifies the rhetorical appeal and explains its effect on the text?

A. Ethos, because Eisenhower is appealing to the nation's responsibility to continue to do what's right around the world
B. Kairos, because Eisenhower says that peace the nation is running out of time
C. Logos, because Eisenhower uses statistics to support his opinion that America is free
D. Pathos, because Eisenhower evokes the audience's sense of hurt

Answer 1

A. Ethos, because Eisenhower is appealing to the nation's responsibility to continue to do what's right around the world

Elucidation:

In this excerpt from his speech, Eisenhower is employing the rhetorical appeal of ethos by referencing America's values and responsibilities as a free and religious people. He is underscoring the nation's duty to maintain peace, foster progress, and enhance liberty, dignity, and integrity. His mention of the consequences of failure appeals to the audience's sense of responsibility and moral integrity, which is a characteristic of ethos. The other options don't correctly apply: kairos refers to the right or opportune moment to persuade, which isn't clearly invoked in this excerpt; logos pertains to the use of logical arguments or statistics, which aren't present here; pathos is about evoking emotions, and while there's a mention of "grievous hurt," it's not the primary appeal in this excerpt.