20895 ACE Language (Yr 6) Structures and Language Features

Logos
Resource sheet
Understand how authors often innovate on text structures and play with language features to achieve particular aesthetic, humorous and persuasive purposes and effects (ACELA1518)
© Australian Curriculum: Assessment and Reporting Authority 2012
Logos appeals to reason and how effectively the author has presented the text. Writers
who uses logos are basing their arguments on reasoning. They use statistics, known facts,
scientific and mathematical evidence and observed patterns to explain objectively how or
why their opinions and argument are valid. If readers recognise the validity of the evidence
and follow the writer’s reasoning, they are likely to accept his or her point of view.
The logos element of a persuasive text is characterised when the writer:
• focuses clearly on specific arguments rather than giving a general opinion
• supports the argument with simple reason and valid evidence
• chooses evidence that is relevant to the topic
• uses validated statistics sparingly for good effect
• is direct and to the point and keeps the argument moving forward from the most to
the least significant points
• uses an appropriate style that is appealing to the audience
• evokes emotions that inspire the audience to agree with his or her point of view and
disagree with those of his or her adversaries
• delivers the text in a controlled, objective manner, thus emphasising the reasoned
nature of the text
The logos element of a persuasive text can be harmed if the writer includes too much data in support
of an argument as this can detract from the message of the text.
Using logos inspires in the audience the feeling that the writer knows what he or she is talking about.
Unless the reader/listener has valid evidence to the contrary, it is likely that he or she will accept the
writer’s point of view.
Some evidence used to support the logos element of a persuasive text is anecdotal. This type of
evidence is a commonly-held belief based on the personal experiences of many people.
R.I.C. Publications ® www.ricpublications.com.au Australian Curriculum English – Language: Text structure and organisation (Year 6)
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