Below is a sample outline and a well-developed persuasive essay in MLA where all three primary rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos) are applied within the body paragraphs. It is titled: “The Benefits of Promoting Physical Education in Schools.” This sample is intended to help students write better essays.
Persuasive Essay: The Benefits of Promoting Physical Education in Schools
Sample Persuasive Essay Outline
- Introduction
- Hook: Start with a compelling statistic or anecdote about the state of physical fitness among students.
- Background Information: Provide context on the importance of physical education in schools.
- Thesis Statement: Argue that physical education should be prioritized in schools due to its positive impact on students’ health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
- Body Paragraphs
- The Academic Benefits (Logos & Pathos)
- Present Statistical Evidence: Provide data and statistics that demonstrate the correlation between physical education and improved academic performance.
- Emotional Appeal: Share stories of students who, after participating in physical education programs, experienced increased focus and better academic results.
- Explain the Connection: Discuss how regular physical activity enhances brain function and cognitive abilities.
- The Health Benefits (Logos & Pathos)
- Present Data on Health Outcomes: Offer statistics showcasing how physical education can reduce the risk of obesity and improve cardiovascular health.
- Personal Stories: Share anecdotes of students who have overcome health challenges like childhood obesity through physical education.
- Create Empathy: Describe the emotional toll of health issues related to physical inactivity, such as the impact on a child’s self-esteem.
- The Credibility of Physical Education (Ethos & Logos)
- Cite Reputable Sources: Reference experts and studies that support the importance of physical education.
- Highlight Successful Programs: Mention schools or districts that have effectively implemented physical education programs and seen positive outcomes.
- Explain Your Expertise: Share your qualifications or personal experience in education or health to establish your credibility.
- Counterargument and Rebuttal (Ethos, Logos & Pathos)
- Present Counterarguments: Summarize opposing views, such as the belief that academic subjects are more important than physical education.
- Rebuttal: Offer reasoned responses to counterarguments, explaining why physical education is a valuable and complementary component of education.
- Appeal to Emotions: Highlight the emotional benefits of physical education, like reduced stress and improved mental well-being, to counter arguments against it.
- Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: Recap your main argument, emphasizing the benefits of physical education.
- Appeal to Action: Encourage the reader to support or advocate for increased physical education in schools.
- End with a Call to Action: Invite the reader to take steps, such as contacting school boards or legislators, to promote physical education.
By incorporating ethos, pathos, and logos throughout the body paragraphs, you create a persuasive essay that blends different persuasive appeals to effectively make your case for the promotion of physical education in schools.
